Ben Celaya, Sr.
December 11, 1925 – March 6, 2016

Memorial services for Ben Celaya, Sr., 90, of Cairo, GA, are at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church, Cairo, GA. Pastor Johnny Moore and Rev. R. T. Beverly will officiate. Services will conclude at the church. Mr. Celaya passed away at Magnolia Place of Cairo on Sunday, March 6, 2016.

Mr. Celaya was born on December 11, 1925, in Tempe, AZ, to the late Bernardo Celaya and Ramona Noriega Celaya. He served his country in the U. S. Army and saw combat in World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Ben retired as a career soldier from the Army. He was a professional golfer and member of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. He was the manager and pro of the Cairo Country Club for 30 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Cairo.

Survivors include: sons, Richard Celaya of Cairo, GA, Mark Bradley (Sheila) of Cairo, GA, Scott Bradley of Thomasville, GA, Ben Celaya, Jr. (Desirée) of Thomasville, GA; daughters, Ramona Davidson of Toccoa, GA, Carmen Celaya Johnston of Tifton, GA; 14 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Ramon Celaya of Phoenix, AZ; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters.

Memorials may be made in Mr. Celaya’s memory to: Veterans Express Bus, Inc., c/o Fred McCallum, P. O. Box. 1252, Cairo, GA 39828; or the United Way for Grady County, P. O. Box 583, Cairo, GA 39828.

The family will receive friends immediately following the memorial service in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church.