WILMINGTON — Benjamin “Benjy” Cole Brown, a devoted family man and esteemed member of the Wilmington community, passed away peacefully in his hometown on September 25, 2025, at the age of 80.
He was born on March 13, 1945, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Benjy lived a life filled with love, dedication, and service to others.
Benjy proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army before returning to Wilmington, where he made significant contributions to the field of land surveying. He worked for many years with the City of Wilmington, as the Head Surveyor. After retiring from public service, he channeled his passion into his own business, successfully operating, Benjamin C. Brown Professional Land Surveyor.
A highly respected figure in his profession, Benjy was a past president of the North Carolina Society of Surveyors and an active member of the Wilmington Society of Surveyors, as well he was President of the Wilmington Chapter of NCSS for several decades. Benjy was deeply honored when Cape Fear Community College named a new program after him earlier this year, recognizing his lifelong commitment to excellence in surveying.
Beyond his professional achievements, Benjamin was a member of Winter Park Baptist Church, where he was known for his warmth and friendliness.
In 2018, he found personal joy by rekindling a relationship with his first love, Mary Neighbors Brown, whom he married in 2019. His family was his greatest pride and joy.
Benjy is preceded in death by his parents, Jack Brown and Barbara Cole Brown; his first wife, and mother to his children, Glenda Hardee Brown; his brother, Johnny Brown; and sister-in-law Muriel Brown.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Neighbors Brown; two sons, Stacy Cole Brown and wife Michelle, and Bruce Sutton Brown and, Becky, all of Wilmington. He leaves behind five cherished grandchildren: Hailey Taylor, Lindsey Best and her husband Robert Earl Best, Chelsea Brown, Andrew Brown, and Dana Brown; and two great-grandchildren, Emmett Taylor and Colton Best. A Beloved family pet, Flossie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Trig Star Program at Cape Fear Community College, a nod to Ben’s enduring legacy and passion for nurturing the next generation of surveyors.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to, Kristin Stirling and Lower Cape FearLife Care for all their love and care showed to Benjy and the family during this time.
