Ben Marks

Mr. Ben Marks, age 72, of Mansfield, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026. Born in Atlanta on September 1, 1953, he was the beloved son of the late Joe and Ethel Marks. Ben was a 1971 graduate of Newton County High School and dedicated his entire life to dairy and hay farming, a vocation he cherished deeply. His days were filled with the simple joys of working the land, hunting, riding his tractor, traveling to the beach and barbecuing for family and friends. He was also very involved in the Newton County Relay for Life and enjoyed going to the Georgia Farm Bureau Convention every year at Jekyll Island.  Ben was a lifelong member of Mansfield Methodist Church and went on many mission trips throughout the years. 

Ben was a proud member of several organizations, including Dairyman Incorporated, the Newton County Farm Bureau—where he was a member since 1972 and once served as President—the Newton County Farm Bureau Young Farmers, the Piedmont Cattlemen’s Association, and the Mansfield Masonic Lodge. His commitment to his community and fellow farmers was unwavering. Ben’s love for sports was evident in his steadfast support of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, the Atlanta Braves, and the Atlanta Falcons, always sporting the appropriate hat for each season.

In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his sister, Becky Marks Byrum, and his brother, Bobby Marks. He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Debra Marks; his children, Benjy Marks and Monica Marks; his siblings, Bill Marks (Ramona), Brenda Stanton (Billy), and Brad Marks (Terri); his brother-in-law, Steve Byrum; his sister-in-law, Kay Marks; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, and a host of other loving family members and friends.

Funeral services honoring Ben’s life will be held at 12 o'clock on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Mansfield Methodist Church, with Reverend Todd Hilton officiating. Interment will follow at Marks Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends at J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 12, 2026. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mansfield Methodist Church, 3031 Main Street, Mansfield, GA 30055 or the Relay for Life of Newton, Rockdale, Jasper-Marks Family and Friends, through the American Cancer Society. Ben’s legacy of hard work, kindness, and dedication to family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

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