“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. – Jeremiah 17:7 & 8.
There could be no better words that describe the life and legacy of Ben Barnes Sayle than, “A life lived in service of others/for the sake of others”. He died peacefully at his home on Friday, October 13, 2023, after a lengthy illness.
He was preceded in death by his son, Medley Towns Sayle, and his parents, Dr. & Mrs. D.T. Sayle, his brothers, David (Ace) Sayle and Harry Sayle, his sisters, Mary Phelps, Emily Turpin, Evelyn Turner, Olivette Mims, and Becky Allen.
He is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Jeffrey Brewer Sayle, and his son, Ben Barnes Sayle, Jr (Cathy), his daughters: Kelly Sayle Morgan, Lucy Elizabeth Sayle, and Allie Sayle, his granddaughters: Lois Anne Sayle and Shana Sayle Garner (Daniel) and great-granddaughter: Eva Mae Sayle Garner and many loving nieces and nephews.
Ben Barnes Sayle was born in Highlandale, Leflore County, Mississippi, and was educated in the Schlater and Greenwood school systems. He furthered his education for 2 years at his beloved University of Mississippi and Delta State University adding various courses in accounting throughout his 61-year career.
After college, he worked for Walker Farms Dairy and Stoneville Pedigreed Seed Company in Stoneville, MS. In 1969, he co-founded the firm now known as Sayle, Sandifer, & Johnson, LLP. He was licensed to practice as a C.P.A in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisianna.
His memberships & involvement in service organizations included: Mississippi Society of C.P.A’s, American Institute of C.P.A’s, Leland Lodge #490, Deer Creek Town & Racquet Club, Greenville Country Club, Phi Kappa Phi Fraternity at Ole Miss, Chancellor’s Trust University of Mississippi, Greenville Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee, Greenville Elks Club, and 1 term as a member of MS State Board of C.P.A’s. For over 50 years, Ben was a part of the Free and Accepted Mason, Leland Lions Club, University of Mississippi Alumni Association, and was Secretary of Washington County Drainage Commission. One of his most beloved awards came from the Leland Lion’s Club: the Distinguished Service Award for Devoted Service to our Club and Lionism (1954-2022). He was also a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Since he believed that everyone should have an opportunity for a good job, Ben was co-founder of several area businesses, which include: WXVT-15, The Country Gentlemen, Travel Unlimited, Inc., The Athlete’s Foot, Inc., three barge companies: Choctaw Barges Inc., Big River Barges, Inc., Deer Creek Barges, Inc., First Leland Investment Club, and Delta Area Renewal Efforts, Inc. (D.A.R.E)
The family is grateful for the quality of care that he received during his extended illness from Greenville Clinic and Delta Health Systems – The Medical Center, Home Health & Hospice. We would like to thank the following: Dr. Hayek, Dr. Gillespie, Sissy, Savannah, Beth, Catherine, Jessie, Beverly and Vicky.
On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, there will be a family graveside service at Leland-Stoneville Cemetery at 10:00 a.m., followed by an 11:00 a.m. Celebration of Life service at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1865 S. Main St., Greenville, MS with visitation afterward at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Boone Funeral Home, Greenville.
Donations may be made to Deer Creek School, 300 Deer Creek Circle, Arcola, MS 38722, Leland Lions Club, P.O. Box 899, Leland, MS 38756 ATTN: Rolling Fork Rebuild, or Arms of Mercy, P.O. Box 4691, Greenville, MS 38704-4691, armsofmercygreenville@gmail.com.