The beloved son of CSM (Ret) William M. and Annie Doris Griffin Mayo of Columbus, Ben was born in Sherman, TX and was a 1972 graduate of Nurnburg High School in Nurnburg, Germany. He had been employed with W. C. Bradley and also with the Netspan Group in Atlanta, GA. He was a member of Greater St. Mark AME Church.

Survivors, other than his parents, include: his sisters, Annette (Wilbert) Williams and Theresa (Phineas) Johnson; two nephews, Wilbert Williams II and Warren Williams; a niece, Taylor Q. Perry; a cousin, Al Rutledge, Jr.; numerous other cousins, relatives and friends.