Benjamin "Ben" Polk of Rockford departed this earthly life January 20, 2026. He was born February 17, 1935 in Hickory Valley, Tennessee the son of Willie Polk Sr. and Esther Polk. Ben lived in Rockford since 1950 coming from Bolivar, Tennessee. He married the former Joyce Gay, June 30, 1990  . Ben was employed as a machine operator by Greenlee Textron 45 years before retiring in 1998. He was a member of Providence Baptist Church. Ben attended school in Bolivar, Tennessee.

Ben leaves to cherish many loving memories, his wife Joyce Polk;  four daughters, Tammy (Charles) Allen, Judith (Brian) Polk, Collett Polk, and Shannen Polk; six sons, Kirk Rhynes, Ben Barbour, Marcus "Tony" (Billy Jo) Barbour, David (Carrie) Barbour, Michael (Jennifer) Polk and Robert Polk; 30 grandchildren and a host of great and great great grandchildren; brother, Jesse (Wanda) Polk; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends.  He was predeceased by is father, Willie Polk Sr., and mother, Esther Polk: sisters, Zenophia Benford, Peggy Purifoy and Cora Brown; and brothers Willie Jr. and Robert Polk.

Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Providence Baptist Church 2209 Clifton Ave. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.