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Conway...Benjamin Smith Land, Jr., 89, died Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at Conway Medical Center. Bennie was born on his grandfather's farm in Clarendon County - March 5, 1924. He was the son of the late B. S. Land, Sr. and Vivian Eadon Land. Bennie's family moved to Bamberg when he was one year old. Reared in Bamberg, graduating from Bamberg High in 1941. He attended Clemson College - left Clemson in 1943 after volunteering for the Army Air Corps at the peak of WWII. Bennie served 3 1/2 years in pilot training and on B-24 bomber crew. After the war he attended USC and graduated in 1950 with a degree in Pharmacy. He came to Conway in 1950 to work for Platt's Drug Store which he eventually owned and operated until retirement as proud owner of one of the oldest drug stores in South Carolina. Platt's Drug Store was the former Norton Drug Company established by Dr. Jamie Norton and family in 1870. Bennie loved his profession and looked forward to going to work and greeting his many friends and long time customers. He was former president of the Pee Dee Pharmaceutical Association. He served the City of Conway as a member of Conway Planning and Downtown Development Committee and Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He was a member of the Conway Lion's Club for many years and a former President. He was selected "Lion of the Year" in 1984 for his work promoting the "Red Cross" Blood Program." He was a charter member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He served the church on all major committees including Lay Leader for 2 years, a member of the Building Committee for the new Sanctuary and as President of the Men's Class. As a member of First United Methodist Church, he served on the Administrative Board, Board of Trustees, and was a member of the John McCutcheon Sunday School Class. He was predeceased by his first wife - Zelle Moore Smoak and his stepson Gregory K. Martin. His survivors include: his wife Julia Martin Land; two sons Ken Land (Nancy); Mark Land (Pat); one daughter Laurie Johnson (Gregg); one stepson George Martin (Maryanne); one stepdaughter Tammy Hendrick (Keith); his grandchildren - Brad Land, Brett Land, Matthew Land, Zelle Land, Wilson Land, Carlis Johnson (Jordyn), Clint Johnson, George Henry Martin, Anne Marie Martin, Scott Steiner, & Emily Steiner; one great grandchild Marley Johnson; one sister Vivian L. Wessel (George). Bennie had a great sense of humor and always had a good story for any occasion. He loved the Waccamaw River, serving for a period of time on the River's Keeper's Program. Bennie loved the outdoors, gardening, feeding many birds year round, and especially loved fishing. Bennie enjoyed traveling. He and Julia visited every state and numerous other countries. He was affectionately known to his grandchildren and many friends as "Bennie Pop." The service will be held at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Conway, SC on Thursday March 14, 2013. The visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 in the Commons Area at the church. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church Building Fund or a charity of your choice. Sign a guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

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Benjamin Land, Jr.

March 5, 1924 - March 12, 2013