Bennie Lee Wilson, Jr.

life story

Loving Son, Brother, Uncle, and Nephew

Bennie Lee Wilson, Jr. was born on October 12, 1959 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Bennie L. Wilson, Sr. and Vera M. Chaney. Bennie graduated from St. Paul Central High School, St. Paul, MN and also attended Metro State College. Bennie found his passion was in the care and maintenance of plants, flowers, and lawns and attended NDC Entrepreneur Classes. After completion, Bennie started his own business, Gentle Ben's Landscaping and Lawn Care Service, which was very successful. Besides his business, Bennie loved the outdoors, fishing, being in the dirt and making things grow, and sports, especially football and basketball. In his youth Bennie played football for Oxford Rec. Center (now Jimmy Lee Rec. Center) under the leadership of Coach Bill Peterson. Bennie was known to be a key player and often referred to a play "Blue 42" which he would often refer to with former players and friends. Bennie also loved cooking and eating good food. But more than anything, Bennie loved people, kids, and being surrounded by family.

Bennie is preceded in death by his parents, Bennie L. Wilson, Sr. and Vera M. Chaney, grandmothers Freddie Wilson and Myzola Nelson, grandfathers George Wilson and Henry Nelson, aunt Loretta Wilson, uncle Winston Wilson, and uncle Fred Massey, Jr.

Bennie is survived by his brother, Howard Chaney (Alethea), sister Denise Chaney, niece Taylor Chaney, nephews Adrian, Jalen, and Xavier Chaney, Aunt Leotra Massey, Great Aunt Virginia Clark, Very Special God-Children Bryant Dodson and Anita Boyd, along with a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A Celebration Of Life Service will be held for Bennie in the Spring at a location to be announced later.

Any cards or flowers in remembrance of Bennie L. Wilson, Jr. may be sent to Denise Chaney, 300 Grand Avenue W, #1213, So. St. Paul, MN 55075.