Benjy Udell Proffer of Park Hills, Missouri has entered into the kingdom of Heaven on Friday, August 2, 2024.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Clarence Udell Proffer and Irene Proffer and one grandson Hayden Proffer.
Benjy Udell Proffer was born in Flint Michigan January 10, 1953 to C. Udell Proffer and Irene Proffer. He was the middle child of three. At a young age, Benjy already had a heart of generosity; and was once in trouble for handing away his father’s entire week’s wages to the neighborhood children while he didn’t have a pair of shoes that fit, because he felt that they needed it more. This generous spirit only grew as he matured.
Benjy’s family moved to Flat River Missouri when he was young, where they established Proffer Wholesale Produce in 1964. He worked for his father from a young age. Benjy started hand bagging potatoes at the age of 11. Later he began delivering produce in a truck, direct to the stores and institution's when he was only a teenager.
Benjy met his wife Wonia while she was working at her family’s Express Shoppe and made every effort to impress her. He graduated from Flat River High School in May of 1971 and they were married in August of 1971. Shortly after he served in the Army National Guard. They welcomed their first born and only son in 1974 followed by 4 daughters to complete their family. After the passing of his father, Benjy and Wonia took over the family Produce company in 1991.
Now, today 60 years later Benjy’s once small local family operation has grown into a nationwide enterprise. Benjy operated 900 acres of farm land; had a full commodity repack automated facility to cater to any customer needs, food distribution to over 20 states with a fleet of 60 plus trucks on the road.
Benjy dabbled in other adventures along the way. Including a cattle and bison farm in the 90’s, a garden center the 2000’s and the start of the vegetable farm in 2010’s. Benjy had a love to start companies with his wife, Wonia, at his side and which has produced jobs and a sense of belonging for many families in the community to be a part of. He also enjoyed inviting these families to his church at Christian Life Church where he was a founding member and later board President. Benjy loved traveling with his wife Wonia and took many different friends and families with him on their various adventures including seeing Mexico, Canada, Germany, Alaska and the Great West, with his favorite spot being the Florida Keys. When Benjy wasn’t working he was fishing, hunting, and praying. Benjy enjoyed revivals and camp meetings. Benjy wasn’t just a businessman, but most importantly, a family man and servant of God. He enjoyed being surrounded by his own family and church family. He was a true kingdom grower and has passed his love for the Lord down many generations. Benjy was also a founder of Lifesavers Ministry, which aids to women that are broken, lost and damaged by addiction, bringing them from death to life through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Benjy had a huge, caring heart and sought to help others above himself. He, on many occasions, helped people in need of a second or third chance. He chose to see the good in everyone he knew or encountered. Benjy never ceased to extend a helping hand in many different ways to people that reached out to him. He found his greatest joy in helping and serving others. Benjy worked hard, his whole life, not only to provide for his family, but also in preparation for future generations. He gave all he had to everything he did, and with a loving and compassionate heart for others. Benjy left numerous legacies behind, but most of all his dedication to God. Benjy touched people’s lives everywhere he went. He will be missed, not only by his blessed, large family, but also by his extended church family and countless friends he has made along his journey through life.
Benjy is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Wonia (Johnson) Proffer, his sister Rhenda Hutchinson and husband Hutch, his brother Rick Proffer and wife Nikki, brother-in-law Victor Johnson, Uncle and Aunt George and Janet Whitaker, Aunt Helen Whitaker.
He is also survived by his 5 children: Son Robert Proffer and wife Shelly, daughter Iris Richardson and husband Shane, daughter Lacey Walker and Husband TJ, daughter Carrie Underwood and husband Brian , daughter Cassie Underwood and husband Brad. Benjy was blessed by God with 18 grandchildren who survive him: Payton Manion and husband Brayden, Fayth Richardson, Conner Proffer, Cloey Watson and husband Preston, Regan Richardson, Lexi Richardson, Tyler Walker, Kady Richardson, Graycie Underwood, Evan Proffer, Trae Underwood, Alivia Coplin, Tabitha Walker, Issac DeGonia, Trudie Underwood, Leo Underwood, Lucy Underwood, and Abraham underwood.
And 4 great grandchildren: Cimarron Watson, Tate Manion, Pacey Watson and Blaize Manion.
He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
You may join in celebrating his life at Christian Life Church (Located at 4905 Flat River Rd. Farmington, Mo.) on Friday, August 9th from 12 PM to 8 PM for visitation.
Saturday, August 10th 2024 at 12 PM for celebration of life services. Burial services will proceed after celebration services for family only.
In lieu of flowers: donations to Lifesavers Ministry would be a beautiful blessing to Benjy’s favorite cause, seeing the broken healed in Christ.
Arrangements are with the Horton-Wampler Funeral Home.
