Dr. Ben Terrell Huie
July 22, 1947 ~ September 27, 2024
Dr. Ben Terrell Huie left this world on September 27th, 2024, surrounded by his family, after 77 years of dodging all the things that should probably have killed him long ago. He was born July 22nd, 1947, in Atlanta, Georgia, the middle of five children. Along with being mischievous, Ben was best known for his insatiable hunger for knowledge and politics (including a run for office in the 90’s).
Over the years, this perpetual student earned a Doctorate in Chemistry from UCLA, an MBA from Newman University, a Masters in Environmental Science from WSU, a Bachelors in Geology from WSU and a Bachelors in Chemistry from MIT, not necessarily in that order. In addition to his PhD he was a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, a Registered Environmental Professional and Licensed Geologist.
Ben began his career as a research chemist during the merger and acquisition period in the oil and gas/chemical industry. Reduction in research at the time took him to several different locations, eventually landing him and his family in Wichita. His degree in chemistry and interest in the environment led him to obtain a degree in environmental science and develop an environmental consulting business where he worked on many local issues from flooding to pollution including his most notable project, the Gilbert and Mosley project. He was part of the team, including the City of Wichita, KDHE and various private organizations, that developed and implemented the clean-up plan for the groundwater under the Downtown area. With the changing weather and deferral of environmental work during the economic downturn, Ben took on a fun position as a reservationist and travel consultant for Best Western. He quickly became a top employee for his geographical knowledge and instinct for travel planning. When Best Western closed the center he drew on his math skills and the tax work he had done for our family to become a tax preparation consultant for CCH. He developed an expertise in the tax program produced by CCH (Wolters Kluwer) from which he retired in Spring of 2019. To support that work he acquired his MBA.
His multi-faceted approach to life was unique and hard to keep up with. His remarkable ability to utilize his intellect to spar with his adversaries led to many interesting relationships and discussions. There was no problem or challenge that couldn’t be solved or overcome with research and logic.
Ben leaves behind his wife, June Huie, who somehow managed to survive 53 years without losing her sanity, along with his son, Anthony, and grandsons Nathan, Kenneth and Andrew, who all have inherited his questionable sense of humor, hunger for knowledge and skepticism toward authority. In addition, he is survived by his dog Coco, siblings, Robert Huie, Lee Pyron, Mary Lynn Huie and Andy Huie, as well as a massive collection of old maps, scientific and environmental textbooks/magazines that nobody knows what to do with. Predeceased by his mother, Margaret (Haddon) Wigley and father, Robert Elliott Huie MD as well as his many fur babies, most recently DW Kitty (Death Wish), and dog Sammy. We hope that one or more of them was there to greet him as he crossed into the next life.
In remembrance of his life, there will be a service at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on Friday, October 18th, 2024, at 11:00 am with a celebration of life (or as Ben would have called it, a great excuse for a party) held shortly thereafter from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at The Brass Tap Room inside “Side Pockets Restaurant & Sports Bar”. Guests are encouraged to dress casually, bring pictures and share their most embarrassing stories about Ben, as that’s exactly how he would have wanted to be remembered, laughing and sharing a life well lived and loved.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you contribute to your favorite charity in his memory, plant some flowers or trees in his honor or contribute to Newman University, University Advancement Office, 3100 McCormick Street, Wichita, KS 67213, the family’s university home.
Dr. Ben Terrell Huie may have left us, but the stories of his antics will live on - much to the dismay (and entertainment) of his family and friends. Rest in peace, Ben, we hope you get a chance to hang out with Albert Ernestine and Stephen Hawking. Thank you for a life well lived.
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This is the best obituary I think I’ve ever read. I knew Ben growing up in Avondale. He was so brilliant ( like the rest of his family) that I thought he was a little strange. He had a train setup that took up an entire room. It was fantastic. I’m sorry for your loss but what a wonderful life he had.