Celebration of life for Benja Ralph Fussell, 75, of Lake St. John, LA will be held at Young's Funeral Home in Ferriday, LA at 11AM with Bro. Whest Shirley officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 10AM until service time at 11AM. Benja was born on Tuesday, March 27, 1951 in Magnolia, MS and passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 in Alexandria, LA. He is reunited with his parents, Roscoe Benjamin Fussell and Margarette Hyde Fussell and sister, Myra Fay Travis. Those left behind to cherish Benja's memories are his wife of 49 years, Nancy Wilson Fussell of Lake St. John, LA; daughters, Kate Fussell Balestra (Cortney Brown) of Belle Chasse, LA and Abby Charlene Fussell of Lake St. John, LA; grandsons, Luke Balestra, Beau Balestra, Cain Brown and Kohlston Tillman; special niece, Fay Liz Sanchez & her husband Ray of Houston, TX; and a host of family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Gordon Brown, Greg Brown, Jake Brown, Matthew Sanchez, Michael Sanchez, Ray Sanchez, and his grandsons. A graduate of Chesbrough High School, Benja (Ben) continued his educational journey at Southeastern Louisiana University, where he earned both his undergraduate and master's degrees. A devoted student with an inquisitive mind and a lifelong passion for learning, Ben distinguished himself through his academic dedication and active involvement in university life. Ben's passion for education extended well beyond the classroom as a student; he began his professional career as a teacher, later serving as a principal before advancing to Director of Finance for the Plaquemines Parish School Board. Throughout his career, he remained dedicated to the advancement of education, contributing not only to the lives of students but also to the institutions and communities that supported them. Benja's dedication to serving others continued with a strong sense of civic responsibility and a deep appreciation for his community. He served as a notary public and later as Justice of the Peace in Concordia Parish. His professional career concluded as a correctional officer with the Concordia Parish Sheriff's Office. Where, true to form, he managed to make friends on both sides of the bars. Beyond his professional accomplishments and his knack for numbers, Benja found joy in cooking and spending time at Lake St. John. Never one to let age dictate his adventures; he purchased a trike at 70, proving that a little fun and a sense of adventure have no expiration date. Above all, however, his greatest role was the one he held at home. He was the backbone of his family-the problem solver, the voice of reason, and the person everyone turned to when they needed guidance or reassurance. He had a quiet way of making sure everything was taken care of, often without recognition or expectation of anything in return. His strength was steady, his love unwavering, and his presence a source of comfort and security to those fortunate enough to call him family.