Benjamin Inman Trotter, Jr.

August 28, 1926 - February 26, 2012
Benjamin Inman Trotter, Jr.

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Benjamin Inman, Jr., 85, of Midlothian, Va., died on February 26, 2012. Born in Lucedale, Mississippi, on August 28, 1926, he graduated early from Central High School, in Jackson, Miss., to join the U.S. Navy in 1944. After serving in the Pacific, he earned a B.A. from the University of Alabama and a masterís degree in music education from Columbia University and did post-grad work in counseling at Catholic University. He entered federal service as a management intern and was assigned to the Counseling and Testing Service of the U.S. Department of Labor, in Washington, D.C.; in a 40-year career he rose to become the Deputy Director of the Veteranís Employment Service and then served in field posts in Roanoke and Richmond, Va. He retired in 1995. Throughout his career, he led the music ministries of several Presbyterian and Baptist churches in the D.C., Roanoke, and Richmond areas. A man of faith and a music director and singer with a fine bass-baritone, he loved classical and sacred music, especially of J.S. Bach; he had a gift for bringing the same enjoyment to amateur singers. He performed leads in Gilbert & Sullivan operettas, Annie Get Your Gun, Amahl and the Night Visitors, and other musicals and soloed in Handel’s Messiah. He was the Employment Chairman for the American Legion Department of Virginia and a member of local Post 186 in Midlothian; he was a member-at-large of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He lived 32 years in Chesterfield Co. He was married 54 years to Susan Bender Trotter, who survives him, as do their six children, Amelia Thornton, Andrew Trotter, Martha Warner, Timothy Trotter, Jeannette McGlinsky, and Paul Trotter; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the American Legion Post 186, 901 Otterdale Rd., Midlothian, Va., at 2 p.m., March 13, 2012. In lieu of flowers, donations to Jillís House, which provides respite care for families of autistic children, in Vienna, Va.–www.jillshouse.org–are welcome.


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  • March 02, 2012
    Al semmes says:
    One of the best,,

  • March 04, 2012
    Jim and Linda Whitt says:
    Susan and Family Our thougths and prayers are with you and your family.

  • March 04, 2012
    Kim (Onken) Giska says:
    I have fond memories of Mr. Trotter at the Queensmill swim meets. Paul was a few years below me and Jeannette babysat for me. My thoughts are with you all~ Always remember the joy he brought you and his resounding voice :)

  • March 04, 2012
    L.B. and Joyce Anderson says:
    Dear Susan and family, Please know our thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this time. I (Joyce) sang in the Winfree Church choir years ago when Ben was the Choir Director. I remember attending a party at your home that Ben hosted for the choir members. L.B. and Joyce Anderson

  • March 05, 2012
    Everett and Cathy Hoekstra says:
    We are lifting your family up in our prayers. Remembering Ben brings a heart smile with the many gifts he shared with us while we went to church with you. May Gods grace give you peace.