SUFFOLK – Dr. Benjamin William Foster, Jr., "Ben", of Suffolk, VA, died Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at age 74.

Ben was a cherished father, brother, sailor, avid golfer and beloved storyteller. He was a general dentist for 42 years who served thousands of families across Tidewater. He brought smiles to his patients with his gentle, expert hand and clever, thoughtful manner.

A native of Portsmouth, Ben was a graduate of Saint Paul's High School, an Echols Scholar at the University of Virginia and he received a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Medical College of Virginia. While at University of Virginia, he was President of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and lived on the Lawn. He briefly served as a dentist in the United States Air Force before joining his first practice in Portsmouth.

Ben was an invested member of the Portsmouth community throughout his adult life – as a Rotarian, board member of the Oasis Social Ministries and appointed head of Mayor James Holley's Arts Council for the opening of Willett Hall.

He was the son of the late Benjamin William Foster, Sr. and Helen Woodall Foster of Portsmouth, VA.

Ben is survived by his daughters, Stephanie Foster Cox (Bob) and Carrie Foster Moore (Matt); his four brothers, Bart T. Foster (Shirley), Billy O. Foster (Cindy), Bruce S. Foster (Sharon) and Brian P. Foster (Doris); and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 26, at Baker-Foster Funeral Home, 5685 Lee Farm Lane, Suffolk, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Oasis Social Ministry of Portsmouth at oasissocialministry.com . Condolences may be offered at BWFosterFuneralhome.com .