Leonard “Ben” Benjamin Johnson Jr., 77, of Miami, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025. Born in Miami on January 9, 1948, Ben was the son of the late Leonard Benjamin Johnson and Pauline Deweese Johnson. He was also preceded in death by his younger brother, James William. He graduated from Miami Palmetto High School in 1966, where he cultivated lifelong friendships that he cherished until his last day. After high school, Ben graduated from Miami-Dade Community College before attending the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
Ben’s life was a testament to love, hard work, and dedication. He was married to the love of his life, Barbara, for 53 years. Together, they were inseparable, a constant and beautiful example of a committed and loving partnership.
A gifted communicator with a remarkable way with people, Ben built a successful career in sales within the information technology industry. He possessed a unique skill for breaking down intricate, technical details and communicating them in a way that was easy for his customers to grasp. This earned Ben many accolades, including multiple President’s Club awards throughout his career.
Ben was also a dedicated and active member of his community. He was one of the founders of a pony baseball league, coached several teams, and left a lasting and positive impact on the young lives he mentored. Driven by a desire for fairness for all citizens, Ben, a prominent community member, also decided to run for Tavares, Florida City Council in 2016. He was a constant source of support for his own sons, Jonathan and Leonard Benjamin III (Lee), encouraging their passions and aspirations.
A true family man, Ben found immense joy in family vacations, especially cruises and outdoor adventures, which allowed him to create lasting memories and explore new places with his loved ones. He worked hard to provide for his family and instill in his children the value of a strong work ethic. In his quiet moments on the porch, with a dog or cat on his lap, Ben would rock in his chair, reflecting on the good things in his life and dreaming of what was to come.
Ben’s faith was a cornerstone of his life; he was a follower of Christ and is now in heaven, in the presence of Jesus. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; his son Jonathan and his wife, Sarah, and their children, Micah, Jenna, and Macie; and his son Lee. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A private viewing was held for the family.
