
Colonel (Ret) Ben Philip Daughtry
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Colonel Ben P. Daughtry (USAF Retired), 86, of Dickerson, MD, passed away suddenly on December 20, 2024. He was the husband of the late Nancy M. Daughtry, who died on July 17, 2020. Born on September 4, 1938, in Smithfield, NC, he was the son of the late Hubert and Elizabeth (Hill) Daughtry.
Ben is survived by two daughters, Beth Norton (John) & Cathy Kogler (Tim); and son, Bryan Daughtry. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Evelyn (Alex Begej) & Joanna Norton (Joseph Williams), Emily & Katie Kogler, and Brooke & Ben Daughtry, II. He is also survived by a large family, including three younger sisters, a brother, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandsons Nicholas and Christopher Kogler, as well as his parents and two brothers.
Ben grew up on a tobacco farm in eastern North Carolina as the second of seven children, developing a strong work ethic and devotion to family. He later attended the University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy at Chapel Hill. He was so proud to be a Tar Heel, paying it back over the years by hosting many pharmacy students during their internships in DC. He also completed a master's in business administration from Inter American University.
He married Nancy, the love of his life in 1961, and accepted a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force. Their journey began in Mountain Home, Idaho. He served in the military for 24 years, eventually settling in Maryland in 1974. He worked in the Medical Service Corps in healthcare management and retired in 1985 as a Colonel. After retirement, he had a rewarding career in federal government marketing with Smithkline Glaxo pharmaceuticals. Throughout his life he worked part-time as a pharmacist in his off hours to support his family, continuing into his late 70's. He proudly maintained his pharmacy license for over 62 years!
Ben dedicated his life to serving God, family, and community. He lived a selfless life always searching for what he could do for others. He was the longest-serving member of the session in the history of Darnestown Presbyterian Church, serving over 40 years. He was also a founding member of the Mercy Health Clinic, providing essential healthcare to uninsured low-income residents in the community. He supported his children's interests, including building and managing a horse farm. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed projects and built a lake home with Nancy. Jet skiing and boating were among his favorite activities until his last days. His faithfulness to Nancy during her battle with ovarian cancer was inspiring, and her passing deeply affected him. However, the love of family, friends, and a full social calendar helped sustain him. His favorite response to good news was "wonderful," a sentiment we will always cherish.
Nancy aptly described Ben as "the best man who ever lived." While we find comfort in their reunion this Christmas, we will miss his smile, laughter, and caring nature.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 28th at the Darnestown Presbyterian Church, 15120 Turkey Foot Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland. Visitation will begin at 10 AM followed by an 11 AM service and burial in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Darnestown Presbyterian Church.

