Clarence "Ben" Canterbury

Clarence "Ben" Canterbury, 80, a well known and popular Ripley businessman and school bus driver prior to his retirement, passed away Friday afternoon at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston following an extended illness. He was born March 24, 1933 in Frame, WV, the 10th of 19 children born to the late Rev. Rome and Gertrude Chandler Canterbury. Following high school Ben enlisted in the Army and served during the Korean War. He retired from the Jackson County School system as a bus driver. Ben's interests as a businessman were wide and varied. He moved to Ripley in 1968 to open a bakery. Ben's Bakery was a popular landmark until the late 1970's when he founded Ripley Hardware. The bakery was converted to a hardware store and Ben began driving a school bus at the same time. The 80's decade saw the sale of the hardware business and Ben began working for Caldwell Southern States Cooperative in Ravenswood as a small engine mechanic. Following his retirement from Caldwell's, Ben opened up his own small engine repair business on New Stone Ridge in Ripley until finally retiring from bus driving and business endeavors. (A side note: Ben's Bakery was reopened and continued successfully for many years under the capable leadership of Ben's oldest son, Clarence.) Surviving: Sons, Clarence Canterbury (Karen), of Ripley, Gary Canterbury of Ohio and Larry Canterbury (Teresa) of Ripley. Brothers, Pete Canterbury (Jo) of Frame, Roy Canterbury (Gaye) of Louden, Tenn, Romie Canterbury (Yolanda) of Campbells Creek and Fred Canterbury (Irene) of Ravenswood; Sisters, Thelma Daugherty of North Augusta, S.C., Doris Fitzpatrick (Paul) of Cottageville, Connie Pauley of Gallipolis, O, and Frankie Yeatman of Nitro; Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and special companion, Ruby. In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Della Mae Canterbury; One son, Bill Scott Canterbury; Stepmother, Janie Canterbury; Brothers, Arbon, Dick, Walter, Louie and Bob Canterbury; Sisters, Ruby Albaugh, Joyce Cole and Olive Hemmings; An infant brother and sister. A celebration of the life of Clarence "Ben" Canterbury will be Monday, October 28, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley, with Pastor Jeff Keffer officiating. Interment will follow the service at Cottageville Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home Monday beginning two hours prior to the service. Condolences may be sent to www.waybrightfuneralhome.com. Service: Monday, October 28, 2013 2 p.m. Waybright Funeral Home Visitation: Monday, October 28, 2013 Noon-2 p.m. Waybright Funeral Home