Obituary of Benjamin M. Mabry

WEST COLUMBIA—Benjamin Myers Mabry passed on February 17, 2014. He was born on September 18, 1954 to childhood sweethearts, George L. Mabry Jr., Major General Ret. Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and Eulena Myers Mabry at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Due to his father's career, Ben lived in various places around the world, from Germany to South America. In 1976 Ben graduated from Western Carolina University with a double major in History and Economics. He then applied to University of South Carolina's law school after a suggestion from his mother, which ultimately launched his impressive career in law. Ben was the beloved husband of Shirley Mabry, whom he married in 1986. Theirs was a union of 28 years. In 1983 the law firm Cromer & Mabry was established. He and Mr. Lewis Cromer were a successful team for nearly 30 years. In 2011, Ben left Cromer & Mabry to establish his own firm, the Mabry Law Firm. Thanks to the wonderful staff and young lawyers there, this short period of time was the happiest he had known in his career. Ben was an avid tennis player and hiker. Ben and Shirley, with their daughter, enjoyed many wonderful adventures in the mountains of North Carolina with friends and family. While most of his life's focus was on The Mabry Law firm, he still found time to enjoy their dogs Peanut and Lacy, and early morning work-outs with his personal trainer. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Mabry step-daughter, Brandon Loy of Denver Colorado and sister, Abigail Mabry Ferrick, Columbia, and brother, George L. Mabry III (Sharon), Columbus GA, Mr. Mabry left behind numerous nephews and nieces. Benjamin M. Mabry was a good man with a big heart. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Friday, February 21, 2014 at Thompson Funeral Home of West Columbia Chapel, 200 State Street, West Columbia, SC 29169. Father Ernest Pollock will officiate. The family will greet friends from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in honor of Benjamin Myers Mabry to South Carolina Parks and Recreation and Tourism, 1205 Pennington Street, Suite 248, Columbia, SC 29201.