Benjamin "Ben" Taylor Books, 50, of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on September 28, 1973, he was a son of the late Robert Wayne Books and Dorothy Louise Taylor Books.

Ben graduated from Midlands Technical College with an associate degree. He had a passion for computers and worked for CBIZ, Inc. in Greenville, SC as a network support technician. Ben was a talented cook and enjoyed traveling. In his free time, he loved to watch Sci-Fi movies and TV shows or play video games.

Survivors include his loving wife of 9 years, Virginia "Ginger" Riberdy; bonus daughters, Elizabeth Riberdy and Renee Riberdy; brother, Nathaniel Books; brothers-in-law, Bobby Maner, Jr. (Anna) and Ricky Maner (Suzanne); as well as many loving nieces and nephews, Tyler, Brendon, Ashley, Joseph, Nikki, Sydney, Alicia, Lynn, Amanda, Bobby, Melayna, Meagan; as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Heather Lynn TenBoer; and dear friend, Keith Revelle.

The Funeral Service for Mr. Books will be held at 1 o'clock on Tuesday, December 19th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC, with Chaplain Steve Acree officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 7100 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 5 until 7 o'clock at the funeral home.

Ben is fondly remembered for his famous dad jokes and contagious smile that always brought joy to those around him. He lived life to the fullest and loved his family with all his heart.

To know Ben was to love him, he was the most gentle, caring man who went out of his way to help others. He brought light to this world that will be dearly missed by many.