Ben Cecil "dc6mech" Dominy
November 2, 1944 - November 8, 2006

Written by Ben's daughter, Renita Dominy Alder


Ben Cecil Dominy, age 62, of Marietta, died Wednesday, November 8, 2006 at Kennestone Hospital from complications of Pulmonary Fibrosis and lung cancer.

He was born November 2, 1944 in Irwinton, Georgia. He graduated from Wilkinson County High School in 1962. After graduation he enlisted in the Air Force. Following basic training and aircraft mechanic school he was stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, AL. While stationed at Maxwell AFB, he met and married Jacqueline Nelson on April 25, 1964. His first daughter, Renee was born on May 15, 1965 at the base hospital. He was a member of the 4503 Tactical Fighter Squadron that was formed at Williams AFB, AZ in the summer of '65. After the training period at Williams, the whole Squadron moved to Bien Ho AB in Nam in late 1965. In early 1966 they took the 12 original F5’s that were sent to Nam up to Da Nang for a few weeks to fly them over North Vietnam. He returned from Vietnam in May 1966 and was discharged from active duty in July 1966. He continued his aircraft training while working at Fort Rucker.

Ben began his career with Delta Airlines in Atlanta, GA on May 15, 1967. His second daughter, Renita, was born on September 15, 1969. While at Delta he worked as an aircraft mechanic (thus his screen name DC6 Mech) and aircraft maintenance coordinator. He retired from Delta in December 2001 after 34 years of service. As a retirement gift from his co-workers he flew on the very last L-1011 flight to California where the plane was retired into the aircraft graveyard.

He was a longtime resident of Stockbridge, GA and moved to Marietta following his retirement to be closer to his daughters. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Woodstock and a former member of First Baptist Church of Stockbridge where he served as a deacon. He loved to fish and was an avid NASCAR fan.

In anticipation of retirement, Ben and Jacki purchased their first RV in the spring of 2001. In typical Ben fashion he decided to try out an older model first just to make sure he liked RVing. It was love at first campout as they and their “puppy” Dixie enjoyed Jacki’s annual family trip at Pine Mountain, GA. The “older model” worked fine until it’s first excursion to a NASCAR race in March 2003 where the excitement was just too much and the old engine gave up on the way home. With several trips already planned for the summer Ben and his son-in-law Rich began their search for the perfect RV. They soon located a diesel pusher with only 12,000 miles at just the right price. The only catch – it was located just outside San Francisco, CA. They hopped on a plane, checked out the rig and 12 hours later were headed back to Georgia with their new purchase. It is unconfirmed but they may have set a record returning home in just under 51 hours.

In 2003 Ben and Jacki attended their first IRV2 National Rally in Nashville, TN. They made many new friends. They attended the next three national rallies in Boerne, TX, Lancaster, PA and Sevierville, TN. Prior to the 2006 rally, Ben was diagnosed with lung cancer. Originally, he did not think they would be able to attend the rally due to his chemo treatments. However, when the chemo schedule was changed he was thrilled that they were able to attend.

They also became members of the Appalachian Campers and attended many of the seasonal rallies. Ben and Jacki served as wagonmasters for the spring 2005 Appalachian Campers rally at Stone Mountain Park. Ben enjoyed planning the itinerary and reading the posts concerning the rally on the IRV2 website.

One of the major benefits to Ben of RVing was being able to take his “puppy” Dixie along on trips. In fact, many people would say that he bought the RV just for her. Ben enjoyed camping outings at the tractor pulls at Fly Wheel Park in Fort Mead, Florida. Along with his two brother-in-laws, they spent three weeks a year for several years at the tractor pulls and the annual Strawberry Festival. He also enjoyed camping at family reunions with both families each year.

Finding that he loved camping, Ben merged his new love with his life long love of NASCAR racing and enjoyed many camping trips to various tracks. He had always dreamed of going to the night race at Bristol. In August 2006 his daughter and son-in-law (Rich and Renita) made this dream come true. They escorted him on his last camping trip to his last race. Although he didn’t feel very good he had a blast!

Ben loved everything about IRV2. He loved the trips, the potluck suppers, the seminars, the website, and most of all the friends that he made. He talked about the previous rally right up until he left for the next rally. He told others about IRV2 and what a great group of people he had found.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother Alton B. and Rosa Dominy and his brother James Dominy. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Jacki Dominy, daughter and son-in-law Renita and Rich Alder of Woodstock, daughter and son-in law Renee and Mike Koster of Johns Creek, grandsons Andrew and Philip Koster of Johns Creek, 5 brothers, 5 sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Madame Boomer,

"Original post made on November 9, 2006 at 8:59 am"

Our heartfelt prayers are with the family of Ben Dominy. (DC6MECH) Ben will always have a special place in the hearts of IRV2.COM.com. He will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him.

Ben passed last night (11-08-2006) at approximately 2030 hrs EST (8:30 pm).

One of the most special memories I'll carry with me is that despite his illness was just 4 months ago.

Ben had canceled out of the 2006 National Rally due to his chemo and radiation treatments. But after the schedule of the treatments was changed, he saw he would be able to attend. Although someone else had stepped up to fill his spot, I worked with the campground "To make room for one more". I will always be happy I was successful with that change. This way I was able to spend time with him at the 2006 National.

Ben was determined to come to the 2006 National in Sevierville. Perhaps he knew in his heart it would be the last National he'd attend.

Yall please keep Jackie his wife, his children and his other family members in your prayers during this time of morning. Jackie is Tom's (Sunny on the forum) sister.

When the arrangements are know, one of us will post them here.

Moved Reply:

Mike
I think you met Ben in 2003 at Nashville Tenn.

Tom

Moved Reply:

quote:

Originally posted by rebelsbeach:
Bet him and Ralphie are having a good chat about us iRV2'ers!

What a wonderful thought! We never had the pleasure of meeting Ralphie,only "knew" him through his post. We had the pleasure of camping with Ben & Jacki several times and enjoyed their company,he was a nice guy and will be greatly missed! Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jacki and the family.

Dianne & Tom

Moved Reply:

Heartfelt condolences to Ben's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bill and Jan Maietta

Moved Reply:

Jackie and family, please accept Amy's and my sincere condolences of your loss of Ben. Although we never met, I know from reading post on the forum, that you all are a very special family. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Moved Reply:

Dear Jacki and Family:

Our thoughts and our prayers are with you. We pray for peace and comfort from our precious Lord during this very sad time for you.

Cheri and Ron

Moved Reply:

Jackie....hugs to you from Ralphie's wife. Our guys had never met at any campground on this side, but I know Ralph never met a camper he didn't like. I'm sure he had a chair and a cup of coffee waiting for Ben!

All I can say to you is that God knows your pain and sees your tears. Trust in Him for your comfort.
Janice

Moved Reply:

Camilla and I were deeply saddened to hear about Ben’s passing. We shared some good times with him at the 3 iRV2 national rallies that we have attended.
We first met Ben, Jacki, Gayle, and Tom at the Nashville rally and hit it off with them right away. We kept in contact with them, but did not see them in person until the PA rally last year.
I was so glad that Ben and Jacki were able to go to the Pigeon Forge rally in July. We went to 2 shows and did several other things together during the week. I think he had a good time considering what he was going through. He did not complain about his illness, but I could tell he did not have much energy.
He told me that he had put everything in God’s hands and he was prepared to go if it was his time. I take comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering and that he is in a better place.
Our sympathy goes out to Jacki and her family as they face the days ahead with out Ben. We will be praying that the Lord will give you peace and comfort.
We will be in Alabama for Christmas and will try to stop and visit with Jacki probably on our way home.


Bill and Camilla

This message has been edited. Last edited by: WA4SLC,

Moved Reply:

quote:

Originally posted by Sunny:
We will leave in the morning go to GA. Thanks for all the kind words about Ben he will be missed.

Tom

Tom and Family -

You and your entire family are in our prayers! I don't beleive I met Ben at the '06 Rally, but our site was directly behind you and we talked with you and your wife and if Ben was as friendly as you folks, he was a great guy!

God Bless You All!

The Smalls
Terry, Rita and Alex
Napoleon, OH