Benny R. Haga

Benny (Ben) R Haga, 83, of Galax, Virginia born July 21, 1943 in Fries, Virginia passed away Wednesday October 7th, 2026 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC after a sudden, severe illness. Ben carried many titles over his lifetime; first and foremost he was "Pastor Ben", leading the congregation of Grace Baptist Church in Fries, Virginia for over 35 years. Ben had a truly deep love and passion for the ministry, sharing his absolute joy in Christ with all, both in times of joy and times of sorrow. Ben was also a Nurse Practitioner for over 35 years, first as a General Practitioner, then later specializing in Orthopedics. 

Ben is survived by his Daughter and Son-in-Law - Lynn and Jody Funk; Grandchildren- Austin (Shae) Funk and Kayleigh Funk; Sons/Spouses: Jeff and Libby Haga; Grandchildren – Jared (Lauren) Haga and Alyssa Haga; Great-Grandchildren – Karsyn Haga and Tucker Haga; Sean and Christine Haga; Grandchild – Nathaniel Haga (Gage McGill); Brother/Sister-in-Law: Mark and Donna Galyean; Several Cousins, Nieces and Nephews; and Many Special Friends. 

Ben is preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings, and his loving wife, Vicki G. Haga (Galyean). Ben was born (not as a "Junior") to Ben Haga and Beulah Haga (Jones). Ben graduated from Fries High School in 1961, and later served in the U.S. Army as a Medic, being honorably discharged in 1969. Upon discharge, Benny returned to southwest Virginia, enrolling into Wytheville Community College, and later the University of Virginia where he earned his Master's Degree and eventually certified as a Nurse Practitioner.

Ben's vocation in the medical field allowed him to tend to a multitude of physical ailments and illnesses, while his ministerial vocation as Pastor allowed him to care for the souls and well-being of his congregation and the community at large. Ben was dedicated in his service to the Lord; he officiated countless marriages, visited with the sick, ministered to those experiencing life hardships, mentored others being called into the ministry, and was also there to spiritually uplift families experiencing the loss of their own loved ones. These are only some of the hundreds of ways Ben cared for people. For his own family, he was not only "Husband" or "Pastor, but he was "Dad" - the solid rock upon which his children could always depend and call on in times of need or sorrow, or to share their joy as they started and grew their own families. Ben was quick with jokes to keep you laughing, and had the exact scripture or wisdom to help guide you through any hardship you were facing. Ben was also a golfer, singer, story-teller, and gardener, among so many other things. Ben lived his life in service to the Lord, and to his fellow human, and he will be forever fondly remembered by those who knew him.

Ben's funeral service will be held Saturday October 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Grace Baptist Church in Fries, Virginia with Christian Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Monta Vista Cemetery. The family will receive friends and extended family Saturday at 11:00AM at Grace Baptist Church until time of the funeral service.