Ben Harris Vanderford III

Ben Harris Vanderford made his transition peacefully at home on January 21 surrounded by love. 

He is survived by his wife Linda Vanderford, his children Matthew Vanderford, Andrew Vanderford, and his stepdaughter Leigh Ellerbrock, his brother Glen Vanderford, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear friends . 

He was a graduate of Central High School in Memphis and in Hendrix College in Arkansas. He also held ministerial degrees from Memphis Theological seminary, and Scarritt college. He served as a pastor for the United Methodist Church for 30 years. He served as a Medic in the Army and the reserves. He was a wonderful singer and was active in the Kettering Senior show choir. He was proud of his neighborhood, Saint Anne’s Hill in Dayton, Ohio, and was known for his kindness and sense of joy.

Harris was never interested in being cool. He said his theme song was “ Its Hip to be Square” He was a terrible dancer, but that didn’t stop him, he didn’t dance like nobody’s watching. He danced to get everybody else dancing. Many at his church , Unity of Dayton , remember his dancing to “This Little Light of Mine”. They remember how they decided to join in and it was a joyful end to our services. 

A Celebration of Life is planned for him this spring.