Benjamin Harrison Gabbard III passed away peacefully at home on April 3, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Born in American Samoa and then settling in as a long-time Floridian, Bens life was an adventure in giving of himself to his family and to those he touched in his lifelong vocation as a teacher and basketball coach, at both high school and college levels. He was a devout man of faith and kindness to all who knew him, especially to those called him Dad and to those who called him Pop (his grandchildren). Ben was a highly successful athlete in high school at Choctawhatchee High in Fort Walton Beach and in college at Troy State University and St. Edwards University. Most importantly however, was his faith in God and his dedication to the loves of his life: his wife, Audrey, and his children, Benjamin IV (Laurie), Christopher (Becky) and Jennifer. He is also survived by siblings Robert, Caroline, Michael, Glenn, William, David and Barbara Ann; and grandchildren Benjamin V, Maddyson, Kili, and Leah. Visitation will be held on Sunday April 6 from 4:00-6:00 pm at Hodges Family Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday April 7 at 11:00am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dade City.