Benjamin Wayne Dow

Benjamin “Benji” Wayne Dow, 61, a lifelong resident of Lexington, NC, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House in Winston-Salem, NC, following an extended illness.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 - 12:00 PM, Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Davidson Funeral Home, Lexington.

A funeral service will be held following the visitation at 12:00 PM, in the funeral home chapel, with Chaplain Allison Hamilton officiating.

Burial will conclude services at Lexington City Cemetery.

An avid walker, Benji loved to explore the world around him. He would fill his canteen in the mornings and set out on foot toward Salisbury and, at times, Concord, taking in all that nature had to offer. Benji had a big heart and a unique, caring spirit. He took great joy in looking after his birds and feeding the neighborhood dogs.

Dining out was one of Benji’s favorite pastimes. He was a familiar face at Christo’s, where he was regularly treated to vegetable pizza, salad, and a slice of cheesecake for his sweet tooth. He also loved visiting Smokey Joe’s for big cheeseburgers, fries, and barbecue sandwiches, as well as enjoying meals at Cagney’s Kitchen. During his illness, he especially looked forward to cold Cheerwine and Ensure.

Benji had a deep love for the Lord and strove to serve his Savior with all his heart. He cherished his time at the Salvation Army, where he faithfully helped by sweeping, mopping, and keeping things in order. Though he faced many challenges in life, Benji was guided by a helping attitude and always tried his best to do the right thing at the right time.

He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Murphy, and his grandparents, William and Mildred Sherrill.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Carol Murphy; his sister, Paula Alexander; his brothers, Lawrence Dow and Audie Murphy; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Angie Hege for her dedicated assistance with transportation and care. Special thanks are also extended to Meadowview Deliverance Tabernacle—especially Debbie Hewett—and to the Salvation Army for their kindness, care, and support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Benji’s memory to the Salvation Army, 314-318 W. 9th Ave, Lexington, NC 27292.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” — John 14:1