Benny Ray Shilling, 82, of Elm Mott, went to be with the Lord the morning of Thursday, November 30, 2023.
Visitation: 6-8PM, Monday, December 4 at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 10AM, Tuesday, December 5 at Lake Shore Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Mt. Antioch Cemetery, near Mt. Calm.
Benny was born August 26, 1941 in Hubbard to Benard and Allene Shilling, the oldest of four boys. The family moved to various parts of the area before settling in Elm Mott. Benny met the love of his life, Linda, while working on dozers with his father on 2nd Street in Waco. They were married on April 6, 1963 at the 3rd St. Baptist Church in Waco. Benny and Linda were married for 60 wonderful years and had three children together, Dana, Keith, and Deann.
Benny devoted his life to working hard to provide for his family. In 1967 he bought his first dozer and spent many years working together with his brothers, Jimmy and Ed. Also for many years, Benny worked right next to his son, Keith and grandson, Dylan. His strong work ethic and desire to bless his family and others was evident in everything he did. He felt extremely blessed and wanted to pass that on to others as displayed by his willingness to give cheerfully to St. Jude’s and various other organizations and individuals.
Benny and Linda were members of First Baptist Church of Elm Mott where he was baptized in July 2003 along with his granddaughter, Myranda. Before his death, Benny wanted to share a message with friends and family and had this to say: “I have had a very fulfilled life. The Lord has blessed me. Walking most of it close with the Lord.”
Benny was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Danny Shilling, Ed Shilling, and Jimmy Shilling; father-in-law, A.J. Lynch; and brother-in-law, Jerry Lynch.
Benny is survived by his wife, Linda Shilling; mother-in-law, Louise Anderson; daughters, Dana Shilling and spouse Christina, and DeAnn Hollingsworth and husband James; son, Keith Shilling and Missy Collier; grandchildren, Cody Shilling and wife Elise, Myranda Barrientos and husband Rodrigo, Kelli Hollingsworth and boyfriend Austin, Dylan Shilling and wife Annie, James Hollingsworth and wife Michaela, Shyanne Shilling and fiancé Dalvin, and Colton Shilling; eight great-grandchildren; and many other nieces, nephews, family members, friends and neighbors who loved him dearly.
Benny will be greatly missed for his fist bumps, straightforward advice, big hugs, telling his family how special they are, and fun, playful responses. When asked how he was doing, his usual replies would include “Peachy Rosie, there’s no bad days some are just better than others, and next to perfect.” His family is comforted by the fact that he truly is next to perfect in Heaven with his Lord and Savior now.
The family would like to acknowledge a special thank you to the nurses at CHF Clinic at Ascension Providence.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Jimmy loved Benny. They both loved family
And put them first. He will truly be missed.
I pray for peace and comfort to his loved
ones. I love y’all!!!!❤️🙏🙏🙏
May god be with the family in this time may u have peace and comfort Keith I’m very sorry for ur loss my friend. Look to Jesus during this time amen 🙏
I don’t think Benny would have had it any other way. He could out work most anybody half his age. RIP. Our condolences 🙏.
Benny was a man whose life reflected his values and his belief in the Lord.. He was a lifelong friend who I grew up with and have shared lots of memories. My prayers go out to his wife Linda, son Keith, and daughters Dana and Deann. Cherish his memories as I know I will, may he have a fist bump waiting for me one day………..
Linda, Keith, Dana & DeAnn,
Benny was a loving, gentle, giving and caring person and was such an inspiration to our community. We’ve been like family for many years.
He will be missed by so many people.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. I love all of you very much.
Linda, Keith, Dana & DeAnn,
Benny was a loving, gentle, giving and caring person and was such an inspiration to our community. We’ve been like family for many years.
He will be missed by so many people.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. I love all of you very much.
I’m so very sorry to Mr. Shillings entire family. He was so sweet and funny every time I saw him! The angels have a good story teller with them! My thoughts are with all of you at this time!!
I don’t know what to say. Benny will so-o-o be missed. He was such a nice and caring man. Linda, my prayers are certainly for you and the rest of your family. Love each of you.
June Whaley
Prayers for the family!
Benny was a good man and a role model to many. He was a hard worker and a good provider. Benny was always smiling and willing to help others. The Shilling family was a staple of ElmMott and I spent a lot of time there as a child. I am forever grateful for the Friday nights at either Lafiesta or Steakhouse on the river. Lots of memories on Shilling Dr. Until we meet again.
I am so very sorry to hear of Benny’s passing. I am blessed to have known him and had him in my life. He was truly a treasure in this world and will be greatly missed, he definitely made this world a better place.
Benny was a good friend and will be greatly missed. Our condolences to the family . May God bless and comfort all.
Prayers to the Shilling Family .🙏Benny was such a great man who always has a smile and was always so friendly . He will definitely be missed in our cocommunity and elsewhere ! Never met a stranger for sure ! May God each of you during these difficult days . 🙏✝️🙏
My SINCERE CONDOLENCES to this wonderful family, may Benny rest in PEACE 🙏🙏🙏
Sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Linda & family,
Please accept my condolences of the home-going of Benny.
W.T. always held him in the highest regard as did all of our family.
Benny was a very special person to so many people & will be greatly missed.
God bless each of you.
My sympathies and prayers for Linda and the family. Benny was a good man and hard worker. I always enjoyed talking with him at church. May he rest in peace.
Please accept our deepest condolences. Benny was always so kind to our family. We have the Shilling family in our thoughts & prayers.
We have known Benny many many years and did work for him. He was one the most kind hearted people I’ve ever met. Larry was very close to Benny and he will triely be missed. Our prayers go out to the shillings family
Dear shilling family you are very fortunate, to have had a father like Benny! There are few like him in this world! I was always blessed by him and we had many great conversations. The last time I spoke to him, he was concerned about me and let me know how much he missed me being in elmmott at the water department!that was mr. Ben as I called him, always thinking of others, and considerate! I know that elmmott has lost a great presence, but the family is still there. The towns loss is heavens gain, I know he yearned to see Jesus and his family in the that went before him! Now, I also have someone to look forward in seeing some day! God bless you Linda and family, the grace of god is ever present, his mercies endurath forever! Psalm 136 Dwight good bye old friend ! You ran a good race!
Linda, Dana, Keith, Deann & to the rest of the Family, you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I have such great memories of Benny and just always seeing his smiling face around town. Always a gentleman with a soft smile and soft spoken, doing for others and for our community. I will miss Benny, as will all so many others that were accustomed to seeing him around town. Elm Mott lost a great man. If you all need anything please let us know. Much love and hugs, Candy
Benny was Loved by so many and will be missed by all who knew him, He always gave the best hugs, and I will forever believe he is the reason Marven is alive, Rest in Pease Benny and know we will keep your family in our prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Shilling Family. Our family doesn’t remember life without Benny being in it. We were forever seeing him around Elm Mott working on something. We often wondered if he ever slowed down long enough to take a break. He has left an impact on so many people. We all have “Benny Shilling” stories. Hold tight to your wonderful memories and let them put a smile on your face.
Our prayers are with you and your family Benny will be missed.
So very sorry to hear about Mr. Shillings passing . Such a nice man . Know that our thoughts and prayers are with the family ..
Thomas & Cheryl Pratka
One of the sweetest men on Earth, loving prayers to the entire family. God bless you all. Benny was such a great “cuz” to my Dad, his cousin, Don. I’ll never forget his infectious smile and the love for his family. A work ethic that couldn’t be matched and always a kind presence. God be with all of you at this difficult time.
Just herd of Benny’s passing. Was in band with him. Was always a happy kind person even in high school. Prayers for his family.