Early last week, I stopped by the Circle K in Nahunta and asked the lady what kind of drink did Mr. Ben Jones usually comes by there and gets.
I told her I was about to go give him a visit at Bayview Nursing home and was going to take him one.
The lady behind the counter said, “I sure do.” She walked over and fixed him one and told me to tell him, “Hey from the Circle K.”
I found out later that day from his daughter, Jana, she was going to have him moved to an assisted living place in Jacksonville near where she
lived. I sent out word he was being moved and if people wanted to say their “hellos” or “goodbyes” they need to do it very soon.
At 10 a.m., his grandson was going to stop at Circle K for one last chance and a crowd of people showed up to greet him off.
Ben Jones is 100 years old. He is an icon from Brantley County.
I have known him for a very long time and he always wanted to shake my hand. I don’t know if he did it intentionally or not, but he has always had a grip that is very strong and powerful ... still does.
He said his legs just don’t work anymore and could barely walk. He will be missed.
Everyone wished him a safe trip. Maybe we will see him again one day.
• Wayne Morgan is freelance wildlife photographer and author.
