Benjamin Paul Privott, 39, passed away Friday, April 22, 2016, in Wilmington. Ben was born in Goldsboro on June 5, 1976, to Emily Warrick Privott and the late Mack Harvel Privott.
Ben attended Appalachian State University, where he studied history and enjoyed working as a ski instructor at Beech Mountain. After college, Ben moved to Jackson Hole, Wyo., where he worked as a tram operator at the ski resort and joined his first band.
Following his move back east, Ben served the Boys and Girls Club of America teaching chess and was recognized as Volunteer of the Year during his time there. Ben loved encouraging and celebrating the successes of others. He was a jack of all trades and did a wide range of work, his most recent venture being real estate.
Ben was a well-known local musician who loved to perform. In addition to singing, Ben played many instruments including piano, organ and drums. He performed with numerous bands in a variety of genres. Music was his passion.
Ben was an Eagle Scout and maintained a lifelong love of the outdoors. Whether through skiing, paragliding (‘flying’), gardening, beekeeping, or spending time by the river at his childhood home, he found sublime peace in nature. An avid North Carolina State fan, Ben loved playing and watching sports of all kinds.
Ben was a family man first and foremost. He loved his family deeply and was very proud of them. He was the perfect soulmate to his adoring fiancé. Whether family, friend, or acquaintance, those who knew Ben need no reminding of his outstanding character. Ben was a kind, gentle, patient, genuine, compassionate, intelligent, talented free spirit and lover of life. He was loved by all who met him. He followed his heart and his dreams, helped others, led a full and active life, and loved freely.
A visitation is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday April 28, at First Baptist Church of Goldsboro, and a service to celebrate Ben’s life will follow at 3 p.m. An additional musical tribute is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at Satellite Lounge in Wilmington.
Ben is survived by his mother, Emily Privott of Goldsboro; fiancé, Sarah Rushing of Wilmington, sisters, Edie Jeziorski, and her husband, Mike, of Acworth, Ga., Jenny Bunn, and her husband, Kevin, of Fayetteville; brothers, Michael Privott, and his wife, Mary Clair, of Mooresville and Allan Privott, and his wife, Michelle, of Mooresville; nine nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Lucy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Ben’s memory to Community Boys and Girls Club, 901 Nixon St., Wilmington NC 28401.
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