Ben Andrew Hoenig, age 92, of Cullman, passed from this life peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 at the Folsom Center in Cullman. A private family graveside service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024 at Cullman City Cemetery at 3 p.m.
Ben was born Dec. 28, 1931 to George Joseph Hoenig and Anna Luyben Hoenig of Cullman.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Margaret Tilley Hoenig, his parents, his brother George (Loraine) Hoenig Jr. and sister Theresa (Dennis) Hoenig Waites.
Survivors are son Eddy A. (Deborah) Hoenig, and 3 daughters, Regenia (John) Geisen, Anita (David) Antaillia, and Connie (William) Bailey, all residing in Cullman. He is also survived by his brother Adrian (Patricia) Hoenig of New York and sister Joan (John) Caron of Vashon, Washington.
Grandchildren are Lauren Hoenig, Anna Hoenig, Blake (Jamie) Brauer, Michael (Lacy) Brauer, Anthony (Laura) Geisen, Olivia (Bryan) Israel, Emma Antaillia (Hunter) Jarrell, Chelsey Bailey (Blake) Gammon, and Maggie (Aaron) Reyling. Great grandchildren: Cade Brauer, Ben Brauer, Connor Brauer, Harlow Geisen, Hendrix Geisen, Henry Jarrell, Ellie Jarrell, Fisher Gammon, Shepard Gammon and Sawyer Reyling. He is also survived by a host of dearly loved nieces and nephews.
Ben and Margaret were married in 1952. After their marriage he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He was a recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army of the Occupation of Germany. Returning to Cullman after honorable discharge, he began his life’s vocation in the appliance business, leading up to the establishment of his own business of Ben Hoenig Appliance in 1958 at the family home in Good Hope.
He had a natural talent for understanding all things mechanical. With that talent, and his unwavering values of honesty, integrity and dependability he built a highly successful business along with his life and business partner Margaret, who worked along beside him in the store until their retirement.
Ben was happiest working side by side with Margaret in the store, on the family farm and in the mobile home business. They took great pride in their children, and taught their strong values of faith, family and hard work as they raised them to both play and work together. He was a baptised member of the Baptist Church, where he faithfully served in various leadership posts including deacon, building, search and mission committees.
He had a great love working with all things mechanical, especially enjoying automobiles, boats and motorcycles. He also loved RV camping and spent many years traveling to various places in the southeast with his family and later with just Margaret. They enjoying relaxing in their RV, with biking, the beach and camping at Gulf Shores being their favorite trip destination for many years.
The family would like to thank the staff of Aveanna Hospice and especially everyone at The Folsom Center for providing compassionate and loving care to him during the final days of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the church of your choice in his memory.
