Ben Scharfstein

Mr. Ben Scharfstein, 63, of Johnson City passed away Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at his residence after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. Mr. Scharfstein was a lifelong resident of Johnson City and was the son of the late Phil and Elsie Scharfstein. He is survived by his wife, Caroline Crockett Scharfstein and his two sons Phil and Ben. Phil and his wife Rena have two children, Lauren and Philip. Ben and his wife Lindi have two children, Benjamin III and Grayson. Ben graduated in 1964 from Science Hill High School. While attending UVA, Ben was called home upon the death of his father in 1965 to manage the family business, Stein-Way Clothing Company, which later was purchased by Levi Strauss. After leaving Levi Strauss, he and his wife Caroline have owned and operated One Stop Convenience Store and One Stop Wines and Liquors since the early 1980s. Ben considered his role as a devoted and loving son, father, and husband to be his highest achievement in life. He credits his wife and himself with spending lots of quality time with the family emphasizing Christian values, service and work ethics to his success. He has been active in the community for many years and has served on various boards including: Past Commissioner of Tennessee Game and Fish; American Heart Association; ETSU Foundation; Johnson City PBA Board and the Johnson City Medical Center Board. His community service includes: the American Heart Association; March of Dimes; Johnson City Medical Center Hospice; 1st Judicial Childrens Advocacy Center; American Cancer Society; Johnson City Senior Center; ETSU Bluegrass; ETSU Jazz; Johnson City Symphony; Johnson City Park and Recreation Dept and Winged Deer Park Boardwalk. He has also been recognized in the community for his years of service by receiving the 2007 Spirit Award from Mountain States Foundation. The last few years he has focused on the creation of Christians In Action Project, an organization which gives scriptural books to the Angel Tree children. Ben was a straight talker and used his ability as a salesman to tell others about his rediscovery of Christ and his church family. He said he lives one day at a time and thanks God for 63 years of blessings, a wonderful family, great friends and customers; and telling others about Jesus Christ. The family would like to extend their appreciation to all those who have helped in taking care of Ben during the last four years. Special thanks to Dr. Bill Kincaid and his staff, Dr. Charlie Cole and his staff, Hattie Tapp, Dick Pectol, Ed Gerace, Dr. Larry Denny, Dr. Calvin Morgan, Stuart Wood, Lonnie Phillips, Sam Brocato, Mel Bowman and his One Stop family. A memorial service for Mr. Ben Scharfstein will be conducted at 5 PM Sunday, May 16, 2010 in the First Christian Church. Dr. Tim Wallingford will officiate. The family will receive friends in the atrium from 3 to 5 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Christian In Action Project, Summit Leadership Foundation, P.O.Box 3555, Johnson City, Tn. 37602.