Ben Spafford

Ben Mark Spafford, age 62, of Dauphin Island passed away peacefully on January 9th, 2025. He was a beloved father, husband, son, brother, friend, who will be deeply missed by many.

Ben was a man full of life, laughter, and dedication. His passion was fishing with family and life-long friends. He loved entertaining at gatherings by playing the guitar, singing, and working the grill. Ben enjoyed planning and taking family vacations, as well as combining work trips to include family and friends, which he dubbed "eating tours". Ben had a legendary sense of humor and was always ready with a good story or joke.

Ben proudly joined the United States Army in 1984 and then the Alabama National Guard. He was a Special Forces Medical Sergeant with Company B, 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Ben was activated in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1991, where he performed his duties admirably. He served his country honorably, earning the rank of 2nd Lieutenant before leaving the military in 1991. His commitment to his country was unwavering and was a source of inspiration to all who knew him.

Ben was the owner and operator of RoughWater Marine in Gautier, MS until his retirement in 2023.

Ben is survived by; his beloved and loving wife of 31 years, Halley A. Spafford; his son, Benjamin M. Spafford, Jr.; his father, Dr. Gordon Lee Spafford, Sr.; his siblings, Stephen D. Spafford, and Katrina (Frank) Holbein; his nephew, Frank "Knight" Holbein; his niece, Heidi Holbein; his sister-in-law, Cheryl "Suzanne" Spafford; and his stepfather, Mark Ewald.

Ben was preceded in death by; his mother, Judith Katrina Amerine; his brother, Gordon Lee Spafford, Jr.; and his stepmother, Amy Wyatt Spafford.

Ben leaves behind a family that loved him as deeply as he loved them and will miss him always.

Family and friends are invited to share their memories of Ben with his family during a memorial service to honor Ben's life. The memorial visitation will be held on March 15th, 2025, from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home (6040 Three Notch Rd, Mobile, Alabama 36619). Interment with full Military Honors will immediately follow at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Ben's memory be made to the charity of your choice.