Benjamin Burks Jr., affectionately known as Ben, was born on September 19, 1937, in Morgan City, Mississippi, to the proud parents of Benjamin and Annie Lee Burks. He peacefully transitioned on April 3, 2025 at Capital Caring Health in Aldie, Virginia. Ben's life was a shining example of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his country, his community, and his family.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Ben was both a courageous veteran and a committed civil servant.

After graduating from Washington Technical High School in St. Louis, Missouri, Ben answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army in 1955. He completed Basic Training and Paratrooper School at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and joined the esteemed 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), known as the "Screaming Eagles." Through determination and discipline, he rose to the role of platoon leader, serving at posts across the U.S. and internationally. His bravery and leadership were especially evident during his deployment to Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for valor.

Following his military service, Ben broke barriers as the first African American ROTC instructor at the University of Cincinnati. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, he discovered a deep passion for martial arts, earning a 5th-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. His hands and feet were lethal and registered. This passion led him to establish a Karate Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he mentored and inspired generations of students.

After retiring from the Army in 1975, Ben transitioned seamlessly into civil service, holding senior-level positions at the Departments of Energy, Commerce, and Transportation. His influence reached far beyond domestic borders as the Founder and CEO of the World Alliance of Mayors (WAM), where he fostered partnerships and international cooperation among civic leaders in Nigeria, the Caribbean Islands, and the United States. His vision for WAM was rooted in promoting unity and collaboration among global communities.

Education was a cornerstone of Ben's journey. He earned an Associate Degree from Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California; a Bachelor of Science from California State University, Long Beach; a Master of Science from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.; and an Executive Certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in Boston, Massachusetts.

Family was always at the heart of Ben's life. When his sister, Magnolia, passed just before his marriage, Ben and his fiancée, Girtha, made the selfless decision to raise her children, Edward and Erline, as their own. Their home in Reston, Virginia—where they've resided since 1979—became a place of comfort, connection, and community. Fondly dubbed "Hotel Reston," their door was always open to loved ones across generations.

Ben's unwavering faith guided him throughout his life. He was a faithful member of both Christ Fellowship and Heritage Fellowship Churches in Reston, Virginia. His legacy of youth development, courage, integrity, and public service continues to live on through all who had the honor of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Annie Lee Burks; his beloved sister, Magnolia Hill; and his son, Stephen Keith Burks.

Ben leaves behind a legacy cherished by his loving wife, Girtha Burks; daughters, Veronica Burks, Terry Burks, Shelita Saint-Louis (Jean-Philippe), and Erline Dunston; sons, Benjamin Burks III and Edward Hill III; grandchildren, Skylar Burks, Zion Saint-Louis, Zoelle Saint-Louis, and Jasmin Voellmar (Kai); sister-in-law, Doris Rudolph; and a host of extended family and lifelong friends.

Ben Burks Jr. lived with honor and purpose. His presence was a gift, and his memory will forever be a blessing.