Early on the morning of April 17th, 2025, Bennie experienced his heart’s greatest longing and desire. The moment he closed his earthly eyes in physical death, his faith became sight as he beheld his personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, face-to-face. He has now joined the multitudes of the redeemed who have seen the Glory of God in Christ, and will forever be with Him in eternal love, joy, and peace. Worshipping, serving, and adoring the King of Kings, time without end.

Bennie Giles Crigger was born in Slemp, KY to Reese Turley Crigger and Ethel Byrd (Galloway) Crigger on April 5, 1940. He was part of a large, close-knit, loving family. At the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served four years in Germany. After returning home, he married the love of his life, Eva Nutter. Shortly thereafter, he gave his heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ, and they began a journey of lifelong ministry together for the Lord. Bennie attended Franklin Baptist Church in Ohio, where he felt God’s call to preach, and later went on to Bible seminary where he earned his Bachelor of Divinity from Arlington Baptist College in Texas. Throughout his life, Bennie dedicated himself to sharing the Gospel and serving his community. He pastored Sugar Creek Baptist Church near Gassaway, WV, as well as Flatwoods Baptist Church in Flatwoods, WV. After retirement from the full-time pastorate, he remained an active member of both Strange Creek Baptist Church and Sugar Creek Baptist Church in Braxton County WV. Bennie’s ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. He served in many capacities over the years, organizing Vacation Bible Schools, local Bible studies, revival services, and leading chapel services at various Christian schools and academies. He was well known for his love of God’s Word. Bennie spent countless hours studying the Bible and was especially knowledgeable about end-time prophecy. He often shared his understanding with others and looked forward with great anticipation to the Rapture and the return of Christ.

In addition to his ministry, Bennie was a hardworking man, employed over the years at Monsanto, Weyerhaeuser, Coastal Lumber, and Braxton County Memorial Hospital. He was known for his reliability, humility, and strong work ethic. Bennie also found great joy in the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing and especially enjoyed hunting for ginseng and wild mushrooms. But perhaps his favorite pastime of all was planting his garden and caring for his yard. Mowing the lawn and weed eating brought him a unique joy and sense of pride. Yet, he loved his family most, and above all.

Bennie is survived by his loving wife, Mary Eva Crigger; his son, Chris Crigger of Gassaway, WV; and his daughter, Cari Chicoine and husband Dave of Flatwoods, WV. He was a proud grandfather to Austin Crigger of Charleston, WV; Erin Chicoine of Bangor, ME; Leah Chicoine of Flatwoods, WV; and Madison Lewis of Young Harris, GA. He is also survived by his half-siblings, Lynn Cregger Stoneman and Pam Fisher, both of Wytheville, VA.

Bennie will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran, outdoorsman, Bible scholar, and faithful servant of the Lord. His life was marked by humility, compassion, good humor, and unwavering faith. He has left behind a legacy of love and spiritual wisdom that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Bennie’s desire above all would be that the remainder of his family and friends receive God‘s free gift of salvation themselves, by choosing to place their complete faith and trust in Jesus Christ, and to join him in glory one day. John 3:16, John 14:6, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:13

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 8-6:4 2 Timothy

Services will be held at Sugar Creek Baptist Church, Gassaway WV on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 and will be officiated by Pastor Brian McCoy. Public viewing and visitation are at 11:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. Interment and committal service will immediately follow the funeral service at the Sugar Creek Cemetery. All family and friends are cordially invited to return to the Church Fellowship Hall for refreshments and fellowship.

Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.