Henry Benson (Benny) Starling Jr, 80, passed away on March 3, 2025. He was known as a generous man who brought lots of smiles, and would rally the troops for a good cause.

Benny was born in Brunswick, Georgia on February 7, 1945.   His parents, Ben and Elizabeth Taylor Starling, were native Georgians with proud roots in the agricultural industry. He was brother to Wilanne Harpe Starling Stowe (Dr James V Stowe Jr deceased).

Raised in Wauchula, Florida, Benny graduated from Hardee High School, and attended Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia.

In 1968, Benny married Bernadette Black and later had three children, Ben III, Brady (Nicole) and Brundi (Scott). And was the proud grandfather of Mason (Taylor), Brennan, Sydni, and Karson.  And was soon to be the great-grandfather of Westley Crawford.

Benny and Bernadette founded, owned, and operated B-Hive Flowers & Gifts for almost 50 years. As the town florists, it was said they were present for births, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, get wells, and funerals.  Benny took great pride in creating extra special gifts to make others feel special.

Active in the community, Benny served as a leader of Immokalee Little League, Immokalee Chamber of Commerce, Harvest Festival, Kiwanis Club, and many others through the years. He was a proud member of First Baptist Church.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2pm with dessert reception to follow at Faith Community Church (formerly First United Methodist Church - 303 North 9th Street, Immokalee).

THE FAMILY WOULD APPRECIATE ANY DONATIONS GO TO THE BELOW CHARITIES PLEASE.

Gifts in remembrance may be made to: Florida Baptist Children's Home (attn:  Mary L Hendry, 1015 Sikes Boulevard, Lakeland, FL 33815), or Faith Community Church (attn:  Building Fund, 303 North 9th Street, Immokalee, FL 34142).