Ben was born on a cotton farm, son of a country preacher. Love of animals and nature enriched his boyhood. He earned BS and MS degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi. He worked for the Atomic Energy Commission, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy, and served as a staff advisor to Congress on nuclear waste legislation. He and wife Dot attend Church of Redeemer in Gaithersburg, MD and lead worship services at four nursing homes.