Benjamin Borden Brister III

Benjamin Borden Brister III

November 2, 1946 – July 2, 2026

If you knew Borden Brister, chances are you have a story.

Maybe it was a conversation that was supposed to last five minutes but turned into an hour. Maybe it was a round of golf, a tennis match, a stack of old baseball cards, or listening to one of his favorite records while he told you who was playing and where he bought it. More than likely, you remember his smile, his booming laugh, and the way he could make someone he'd just met feel like they'd known each other for years.

Borden passed away peacefully on the morning of July 2, 2026, at the age of 79, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and an even greater legacy of love.

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, on November 2, 1946, to Benjamin Borden Brister Jr. of Bogue Chitto and Sara Stone Brister of Newton, Mississippi, Borden was proud to call Mississippi home. He graduated from Murrah High School in 1965 before attending Mississippi State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration and proudly became a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He loved Mississippi State and remained a Bulldog at heart throughout his life.

After college, Borden honorably served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1970 to 1976. The values he learned there—faithfulness, integrity, humility, and commitment—became the foundation of the way he lived every day.

On March 21, 1970, he married the love of his life, Linda Hamilton Brister. For 56 years they built a marriage rooted in faith, laughter, unwavering devotion, and unconditional love. They made their home in Mill Creek in Brandon, Mississippi, where they spent 47 wonderful years raising their family, welcoming neighbors and friends, and creating a home that everyone looked forward to visiting.

Professionally, Borden spent 37 years in medical sales with Travenol, Baxter, and Cardinal Health. While company names changed over the years, one thing never did—his reputation. He treated customers like friends, coworkers like family, and believed that relationships mattered more than transactions.

But ask anyone who knew him what mattered most, and the answer was easy—his family.

He was endlessly proud of Linda, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Every conversation eventually found its way back to them. He celebrated every accomplishment, encouraged every dream, and never missed an opportunity to ask how everyone was doing. His family wasn't simply part of his life—they were his greatest joy.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Linda Hamilton Brister; his sons, Benjamin Bradley Brister and Brian Borden Brister and wife Kelli Potter Brister; his cherished granddaughter, Finley Rae Brister; his daughter, Christy Brister Louton and husband Timothy Ray Louton; grandchildren Mason J. Louton, Morgan J. Louton, Miller J. Louton, and Margaret J. Louton; great-grandchildren Melody Jane Louton, John Henry Louton, Maverick Gene McBride, and Elijah Reed Louton; and his sister, Sara Katherine Brister, along with her son, Matthew Earl Dinkins.

Borden loved the simple things that made life rich. He enjoyed countless rounds of golf at Castle Woods Country Club, especially the trips he took with his sons, Ben and Brian. He spent years playing tennis at the Mill Creek Club and Reservoir Racquet Club, where the friendships often meant more than the score.

He was a collector at heart—not because he wanted to own things, but because every baseball card and every vinyl record had a story. He loved sharing those stories with anyone willing to listen, especially his children and grandchildren.

Perhaps what people will remember most is that Borden truly never met a stranger. He had an extraordinary gift for making people feel important. He listened more than he talked, laughed often, encouraged freely, and made every room a little brighter simply by walking into it.

To his family, he was our rock, our storyteller, our biggest fan, and the man whose example quietly taught us what a husband, father, grandfather, and friend should be.

His earthly life may have ended, but the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he poured into all of us will continue for generations.

As followers of Christ, we find comfort in His promise:

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you... I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." — John 14:1–3

He was always proud to be a Mississippi State Bulldog and a Kappa Alpha.

He loved his family more than anything.

If you ever spent an afternoon talking with him, you left a better person.