Harrison County Native who was National Leader as a Fire Chief, Firefighter, Benjamin Barksdale, Passes
The Lord of Glory ushered Benjamin Morris Barksdale, Jr., 60, into His Glory on Saturday, April 26th, 2025.
“Benji” was born on November 14, 1964, the son of Benjamin Morris, Sr., and Corliss Barksdale of Hepzibah, WV.
Ben is survived by his wife, Sandra (Huggins) Barksdale, and a daughter whom he immensely LOVED, Olivia, and her fiancé, Joel Sienko. He leaves to cherish his memories a sister, Donna & Elijah Ham of Montclair, VA; a brother, Brian & Michelle Barksdale of Clarksburg, WV.
Also surviving are aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Ben proudfully adored his youngest nephews: Isaac & Ian. We acknowledge a dear friend, TT.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Marsha Lynn.
Benji was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1983. He starred as the starting quarterback of the football team. Ben began his firefighter career as a Junior Firefighter with the Spelter Volunteer Fire Department.
After graduating from Fairmont State, Ben moved to Arlington, VA, to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time Firefighter. It was here that he devoted 24 years of honorable service to the Arlington Fire Department and the surrounding communities.
His dedication to his call of service afforded him opportunities for promotions from Firefighter to Assistant Fire Chief after retiring on June 17, 2011. Ben also served as Fire Chief for Prince George’s County and Orlando, FL.
He holds a Master of Science Degree in Management from John Hopkins University and a Certified Public Manager certificate from George Washington University.
He achieved Executive Fire Officer designation from the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, Maryland, and was recognized by the Center of Public Safety Excellence Commission on Professional Credentialing as a Chief Fire Officer.
Unfortunately, Ben was diagnosed in April 2024 with Glioblastoma. While his body may have succumbed to the cancer, his spirit soared above it.
Ben’s funeral will be held at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, MD, at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, and live streamed at FBCGlenArden.org/funeralviewing. The family plans to hold a memorial service in Clarksburg at a later date.
A scholarship fund will be established in lieu of flowers.