William Benjamin Connally, Jr., died on November 27, 2024, in Gadsden, Alabama, where he was born on January 22, 1930.After graduating from Gadsden High School, Ben obtained a Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University. He served in the U.S. Army in France and then worked in Miami, Birmingham, and Huntsville before returning to Gadsden, where he practiced architecture for several decades. While in Birmingham, he met and married Caroline Frances England Connally, his wife of sixty years. Ben was a member of the first General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of America and was a founding member and elder emeritus of Rainbow Presbyterian Church. He also helped organize Westminster Christian School, now Westbrook, serving on its Board, and served on the original Board of Big Oak Ranch, designing the first homes there.
Ben was preceded in death by his wife; son, John Michael Connally; sister, Ann Connally Brooks; and parents, William Benjamin Connally, Sr., and Annie Lee Davidson Connally.
He is survived by his sons, Mark Benjamin (Brigitte) Connally, Joel Davidson (Amy) Connally, Sr.; grandchildren, Jessica Ann, Amy Caroline, Michael William, Joel Davidson, Angela Maria, and Lauren Margaret Connally. He is also survived by Rodger and Margaret Armbrester, their children and grandchildren.
There will be a memorial service at Rainbow Presbyterian Church at 11 AM on December 3, 2024, followed by visitation. Memorial gifts may be made to Rainbow Presbyterian Church and Big Oak Ranch.
