Hilton Head Island Remembers a Community Hero: Ben Green
As the sun dips below the horizon and casts a golden glow over the shimmering waters of Hilton Head Island, memories of one remarkable man float to the surface like boats bobbing on the tide. Ben Green, affectionately known as Captain Bajaboo and Mr. Green, passed away on Sunday, December 8, at the age of 75, but the impact he had on this island community is far from gone. Every time Jim Reynolds drives across one of the island’s many bridges, he can’t help but think of Ben and the legacy he left behind.
A Life of Service and Community
Ben was not just a part of the Hilton Head landscape; he was a native islander whose fingerprints were found everywhere. Born in 1949, he grew up fishing and crabbing, diving deep into the Gullah Geechee culture that is vital to the history of this region. After serving as a Vietnam veteran and making history as the first African American officer on the police force in Thunderbolt, Georgia, Ben came back home to continue his life of giving.
“He dedicated his life to service,” says Heather Rath, a longtime friend who remembered Ben as a guiding star for everyone he met. His fishing program, On the Hook, launched in 2016, became a cherished activity for children and families, where they learned not just how to fish but also about the significance of the ocean and its ties to their ancestry.
Mentor and Friend
Ben’s influence extended beyond just teaching fishing; he played the role of a mentor, sharing important life lessons that set the foundation for many young people. Jayme Lopko’s son Jake was one of those lucky enough to learn from Ben. Her family’s connection with him transcended fishing; it was about instilling a sense of pride and diligence in everything they did. “It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it,” Ben would remind them, ensuring they always put their best foot forward.
As Reynolds got to know Ben, he discovered that patience was another vital trait he learned through their interactions, one that shaped him into a better person. Ben wasn’t just dedicated to the fishing program; even through health struggles, he made every effort to be present, embodying the spirit of community he loved so much.
A Legacy of Kindness
However, the fishing program was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to Ben’s altruism. His deeds often flew under the radar, but they accumulated over a lifetime. Sheldon Green, Ben’s son, recalls there was never a neighbor in need that his father didn’t help. Whether it was cleaning up cemeteries or simply showing up when someone needed a hand, Ben was there.
“He could work harder than any one man or any two men,” Sheldon says, admiration shining in his voice. The lessons he learned from his dad, who he idolized, continue to influence him today. Ben was that rare gem who showed love and service were most enriching when embedded in daily life.
Celebrating Ben’s Life
When Ben wasn’t volunteering or helping others, he enjoyed the simple things life had to offer, like engaging in spirited card games of spades. Galen Miller, a cousin who regarded Ben as a nephew, shares fond memories of their game nights filled with laughter. Miller pays tribute to Ben’s competitive spirit by planning to leave him with a “Boston,” ensuring he leaves this world on a winning hand.
In the Hearts of Many
Ben Green’s passing has left an undeniable void, but those who knew him agree: “There will never be another Ben Green.” The core of his legacy lies in the kindness he exuded and the countless lives he touched. As the community gears up for his memorial on December 15 at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, they come together to celebrate not just his life, but the values he instilled in everyone around him.
Ben is survived by his loving wife R. Maria Green, his son B. Sheldon Green, granddaughter Olivia Madison Green, and many cherished family members and friends. As Hilton Head Island looks to the future, it does so with the spirit of Ben Green firmly in its heart, forever guided by the values he lived by.
