Ben, “B.J.” Joseph Oxendine Jr. of Pembroke, N.C. departed this earthly life on Monday, March 31, 2025. He was born on September 11, 1978, the baby boy of Ben Joseph and Annie Ruth Oxendine. Ben was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Annie Oxendine.

Ben, or B.J., as many called him, will be remembered for his quiet demeanor and his kind smile. Ben carried on the family tradition of loving people through food. Like his father, Mr. Ben, he was a master griller, great cook and could serve up almost any dish. He learned the skill of how to barbecue, smoke ribs and make special sauces from a young age. Ben shared these talents over the past three years in service at UNC Pembroke in the Dining Hall. Prior to UNCP, he also spent several years working at Kayser Roth in Lumberton and Bladen Community College.

Ben is survived by his sister Tasha Oxendine of Pembroke, brother Thomas Oxendine (Amy) of Pembroke, nephew Landon Oxendine of Pembroke and a host of family and friends.