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Bennie George Schilling, 72, of Pine, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 30, 2021, at Riverside Medical Center in Franklinton, due to complications caused by COVID-19.

Bennie was born Dec. 16, 1948, to Edwin M. and Athelee Gerald Schilling, in Tylertown, Miss. Bennie resided in Pine most of his life. He was a member of Bible Baptist Church in Thomas, where he served faithfully in many capacities. He proudly served and fought for our country as a U.S. Marine in Vietnam. He found joy in studying the Bible, sharing his faith in Jesus Christ, enjoying God’s creations outdoors, hunting (especially turkey), and working in his taxidermy shop. In addition to retiring from the Bogalusa Post Office, Bennie worked as a skilled taxidermist throughout most of his adult life, artistically recreating and preserving the beauty of many species.

Bennie, also lovingly referred to as Pops by his family, is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah F. Schilling; his loving children, Teresa Schilling Rosenthal (David), Christy Schilling Galloway (Chris), and Tammie Schilling Magee (Terry); and two stepsons, Richie Mitchell (Kelly) and David Mitchell. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Sarah Rosenthal Delaney (Zach), McKenna and Dalton Rosenthal, Ben, Jake, and Cade Galloway, Tyler Mattes, Dallen and Garrison Magee, Justin Thomas, Kristan Mitchell Creel (Chris), and Brady, Brooke, Clay, and Annie Mitchell; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Athelee Schilling; son, B.J. Schilling; and stepson, Clay Mitchell.

Visitation will be held at Brown McGehee Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 2, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday, June 3, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., with a funeral service at 11 a.m. with Bro. Harold Gaddy, Bro. Acy Barber, and Bro. Lynn Martin officiating. Burial will follow in the Schilling Cemetery in Pine.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Bible Baptist Church’s mission fund. Donations can be sent to 29567 Highway 424, Franklinton, LA 70438.