Longtime Christian County business man and community supporter Ben S. Wood III has passed away at the age of 78.
A well-known name in the county, Wood was the longtime owner of local liquor businesses the Copper Still, which had locations not just in Hopkinsville but across the state. Those stores also boasted of being the state’s oldest drive-in liquor store, when the first one was opened by Wood’s father in 1955, according to an article in the Kentucky New Era by Melissa Pettitt. Wood owned those stores until just a few years ago, when they were sold.
Wood was descended from one of Hopkinsville’s founders, Bartholomew Wood, so he and his family played a big part in shaping the community. Wood was also an avid supporter of the Christian County Regional Animal Shelter, often making donations when the animals needed help.
Celebration of life services for Wood will be arranged by Hughart, Beard and Giles Funeral Home.