Elloree - Ben Connor Dantzler Sr., of Elloree, died peacefully Friday, April 1, 2005, ending his yearlong battle with lung cancer. At his side were his wife of 54 years, Hattie Mae Dantzler and his only surviving brother, James Allen 'Jimmy' Dantzler II of Orangeburg. Born Nov. 9, 1921, to parents, Benjamin Tillman and Pearle Connor Dantzler, 'Bennie', as his family and friends knew him, remained a lifelong resident of Elloree. After graduating from Elloree High School, he joined the U.S. Navy. There, Bennie established lifelong friendships while serving abroad the U.S.S. Ticonderoga. After leaving the service, he returned to Elloree and briefly worked at the Elloree Motor Company before embarking on his 23-year career as a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. Bennie remained a member of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association after retirement. He was a member of the Elloree United Methodist Church. He is precedeased by his sister, Elizabeth 'Betsy' Dantzler Livingston and brother, Lawrence Connor 'Plunder' Dantzler, both of Elloree. Surviving Bennie are his aforementioned wife, Hattie Mae Dantzler and four sons; Danny Dantzler and wife, Kay; Ben C. Dantzler Jr., and wife, Cindy; Jim Dantzler, all of Elloree and Hal Dantzler, of Dallas; grandchildren, Brock, Dano, Ashley, Ben III and Kasey Dantzler; brother, Jimmy Dantzler, of Orangeburg and wife, Lazelle; sister-in-law, Annie Dantzler. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Elloree United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 501 Barkley St., Elloree. A memorial service, presided over by Pastor Fred R. Davis and Dr. Noble Miller, will also be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 4, at Elloree United Methodist Church, 6606 Old Number Highway. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations are sent to Elloree United Methodist Church, P.O. Box681, Elloree SC 29047; the Elloree Heritage Museum, P.O. Box 54, Elloree SC 29047; or the charity of one's choice. © The Times and Democrat, Orangeburg, SC, 3 Apr 2005