Ben Metcalf was born to parents Julius and Alice Metcalf on June 20, 1912 in Many, Louisiana. Ben eventually migrated to his final home, Seattle, WA, and began to expand his career and family. He spent most of his working life as a Navy cook and truck driver. Mr. Metcalf was heavily involved in the Baptist community, serving as a Deacon at Greater New Bethel Baptist Church and St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Deacon Metcalf continued to strengthen his mind and spirit well into his nineties by taking adult education courses and remaining active in the church.
Ben’s kindness and benevolence had no limits – he never hesitated to open his door, wallet, and heart to those in need. He was often a man of few words, but his chosen words and actions spoke volumes about his overwhelming generosity, love for his family and friends, and have touched all who were blessed to know him. He is truly deserving of a joyous homecoming and will be greatly missed.
Ben Metcalf is survived by dozens of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who are challenged with continuing his legacy of virtue, strength, and generosity.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 5th from 2:00pm to 8:00pm and Wednesday, February 6th from 9:30am to 2:30pm at Bonney-Watson, 16445 International Blvd., Seatac, WA 98188. A private family graveside service will be held Wednesday, February 6th at 3:00pm.
This is late, however, I just discovered Mr. Metcalf’s obituary.
Mr. Metcalf was such a wonderful person. He, at first, thought that I was kid looking for a place to stay. He soon discovered that I was just a guy who had fallen for his adult daughter. When he realized that I was actually a nice guy, we started to talk regularly. We would talk in his backyard for hours about everything you could think of. Normally, he would seem like a really quiet man, but get him in that backyard and he opened up quite a bit. I can still remember that old purple ford truck with the orange stripe.
This quiet man loved his family with a passion. The light of his day was seeing his granddaughter, Latrice, arrive home and run into his arms… “Papa” she would yell out as he embraced his little angel.
Benita,
I am so sorry for your loss and just know that the Church’s Chicken kid that loved you so much also thought the world of your dad.