Ben T. Lake

Ben Tillman Lake, of Eustis, Florida, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2017. He was born to Tim and Nancy Lake in Salisbury, North Carolina, on August 14, 1954. In 1983, Ben moved to Eustis from Orlando, FL. Influenced by his dad’s love of racing and trains, he instantly took to anything with a motor. Ben was a gifted automotive engineer, craftsman, and artist for over 60 years. Largely self-taught, he took great pride in teaching and mentoring others. Ben touched many lives and held his friends in the highest regard. He enjoyed and appreciated collecting and traveling the U.S. with his family. Most of all, Ben cherished his children and grandchildren. Ben is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ann Renzulli Lake of Eustis, FL; Mother, Nancy Grdijan of NC; Daughter, Aja Lake (R. Michael Hohman II) of Eustis, FL; Son, Anthony Lake (Jessica Clark) of Eustis, FL; Aunt, Betty Crisco of Apopka, FL; Uncle, Phillip Lake of NC; Sisters and brothers, Debbie Shelton of FL, Michelle Farnam (Ronnie) of FL, Johnny Grdijan (Beth) of FL, Kimberly Brown of FL, Tim Lake of MI, Karen Seibeck (Chris) of NC, Rodger Renzulli of FL, Jan Renzulli of FL; Stepmother, Janet Lake of MI; Cousins Patti, Pam, Sharon, Larry, Patsy, John; Nephews and Nieces, Lance, Jason, Jordan, Joey, Michael, Sheena, Julie, David, Tiffany, Ronnie, Chelsea, Jordan, Margeaux, Brantley, Sydney, Ashley, Alle, C.J., Alex, Mackenzie, and Madison. Ben had six grandchildren, Ace John Hohman, Beau Elizabeth Hohman, Baylor Lake Hohman, Madison Taylor Kalaroavich, Chace Tillman Lake, and Grayson Tillman Lake. Ben was preceded in death by James and Addie Lake, Miss Minnie, James and Wilda Lake, Mark and Naomi Jackson, Ansel Tillman Lake, Muriel Renzulli, John Grdijan, Jr., Mike Renzulli, David Shelton, Francis Walker, and Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Ben Lake was a man of few words; he lived by these: if you’re gonna do it, do it right. A memorial cruise-in will be held at 1:00 p.m. on October 14, 2017, at High Reach, 260 Hickman Drive, Sanford, FL, to honor and remember Ben. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Eustis Elementary School. Online guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com . Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.