James "Ben" Benjamin Vermilyea, Jr.

James Benjamin “Ben” Vermilyea, Jr., 67, passed away on August 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Ben was born on June 1, 1958 in Atlanta, Ga, to James, Sr. and Sandra Vermilyea.

The first of five children, Ben was known for his quirky sense of humor and kindness. He loved to make jokes and laugh. He enjoyed music - particularly rock music, and the electric guitar. For most of his life, he worked in the drywall industry with his dad’s company, V-Line Corporation. He was a true artist in the trade, and his workmanship lives on in hundreds of custom homes around the Lowcountry. Most recently, he was employed by Belk in Beaufort, SC, where he made wonderful friends and was greatly loved by his colleagues. Ben’s early life was spent in Atlanta, Ga and Berrien Springs, MI, where he made lifelong friends. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Ben is survived by his three sisters, Cindy Talley (David), Jill Varellie (John), Bonnie Timblin (Bob), his brother, Jody Vermilyea (Kate), and his lifelong best friend, Kevin Williams. He is also survived by seven nephews, six nieces, and four great-nieces.

Ben was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Sandra Vermilyea, grandparents, and the love of his life, his fiancée, Rhonda Jennings.

A memorial service will be held at a date later in the fall. Details will be shared on social media.