He was preceded in death by his parents, by his sister Margaret Baldwin, and by his nephew Larry Baldwin, all of Jackson, Mississippi.
He is survived by Rachel, his wife of 60 years. He is also survived by his daughter Susan Gilchrist and her husband Jacques. He also leaves a grandson, Jordan Gilchrist, and two nephews: Billy and David Baldwin.
He served his country in the European theater during World War II, becoming a prisoner of war in Germany. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in engineering and from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a degree in theology.
He was employed by LifeWay of Nashville, Tennessee and in this capacity served as manager of LifeWay bookstores in Indianapolis, IN; Mobile, AL; Asheville-Ridgecrest, N.C. and Charlotte, N.C. He always found places of service in a local church and the community, and made many friends.
He was a volunteer builder with Habitat for Humanity. He was also a supporter of The National World War II Museum in New Orleans (945 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70130). The family requests that in lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Ben’s name be directed to these organizations.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 11:30 AM at Founder’s Baptist Chuch, 24724 Aldine Westfield Rd, Spring TX.
To leave a message or remembrance of Mr. Rentz please visit www.forestparkthewoodlands.com.