It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Longview, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Thank you for all you and your company has done for my family. Everyone that”
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“I have known Kathy Godwin for over 30 years and she has been actively involved”
“Kathy and her caretakers made our difficult situation less difficult. They were warm , accommodating”
“Thank you for all you and your company has done for my family. Everyone that came here was amazing to my parents. Alexandra was priceless to us. Thank you.”
“Thank you for all you and your company has done for my family. Everyone that came here was amazing to my parents. Alexandra was priceless to us. Thank you.”
“Great place to work for”
“There's one thing I look for in an Agency and that's Communication, Communication covers a lot, how a Company interacts with its Clients and Their Employees if You have Happy Employees You Will have Happy Clients All the Agency wants is Happiness for All: I really Enjoy working for Always Best Care! The End????”
“I have known Kathy Godwin for over 30 years and she has been actively involved with my family for all of those years. She has always been a part of our family, and I would trust her with any situation that should arise. Kathy is and has been a loyal friend to both me and my father. She watched all my children grow up and has always been active in their lives. If there was ever a family emergency Kathy was always there to assist with any of our needs. We treasure her friendship and know that we can always count on her support in any situation. I can honestly and highly recommend Kathy Godwin's business as a care provider. I know that all clients she receives will get the best care and attention that they deserve. I would not hesitate to use her service for my personal family.”
“Kathy and her caretakers made our difficult situation less difficult. They were warm , accommodating and willing to go the extra mile and that means the world to our family. We had a lot of questions and they had all the answers. I highly recommend this company to anybody who is going through the difficulties of hospice or just needs that extra helping hand with their loved ones. 6 stars!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Longview, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Longview, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Longview, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Community theater production features nine dance numbers, reserved seating at Longview Community CenterLONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - Theatre Longview will open its summer musical production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! on Friday, July 31, at 7:30 p.m. at the Longview Community Center.About the productionDirector Stephen Rainwater said Oklahoma! is considered the “quintessential all-American classic musical” in the musical theater world. The show is set at the turn of the century a...
LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - Theatre Longview will open its summer musical production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! on Friday, July 31, at 7:30 p.m. at the Longview Community Center.
Director Stephen Rainwater said Oklahoma! is considered the “quintessential all-American classic musical” in the musical theater world. The show is set at the turn of the century as the state of Oklahoma is on the verge of joining the Union.
Rainwater said the production will feature a live orchestra, which he described as a rarity for musical theater in East Texas.
Choreographer DK Alexander said the show includes around nine dances, with nearly every scene featuring the full cast.
Alexander said rehearsals for the choreography began in May, with the cast learning a new dance each week.
“That’s just a testament to how we have an amazing, talented cast. To be able to retain and pick up on choreography that quick, while also still remembering that you have lines and have to sing live,” Alexander said.
Michael Hill, who plays Will Parker in the production, said much of his personal rehearsal time has been devoted to the show’s dance numbers.
“Will Parker’s a very easygoing, laid back guy, but he’s also wound really tight at the same time when it comes to his love interest,” Hill said.
Oklahoma! runs two weekends, opening July 31 and continuing through Aug. 9. The performance schedule is Friday and Saturday evenings with Sunday matinees each weekend.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Theatre Longview’s website.
LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - An officer involved shooting left 23-year-old Jeshon Hamilton dead. Video recorded by Hamilton’s brother Javorie Hamilton shows the moment deputies moved in.“Obviously our thoughts and prayers go out to his family,” Harrison County Sheriff B.J. Fletcher said. “But, that doesn’t change the fact that he pointed a gun at my deputies and they responded correctly.”Around five a.m., people in the Hillcrest Trails subdivision on the edge of Longview reported seeing a man mov...
LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - An officer involved shooting left 23-year-old Jeshon Hamilton dead. Video recorded by Hamilton’s brother Javorie Hamilton shows the moment deputies moved in.
“Obviously our thoughts and prayers go out to his family,” Harrison County Sheriff B.J. Fletcher said. “But, that doesn’t change the fact that he pointed a gun at my deputies and they responded correctly.”
Around five a.m., people in the Hillcrest Trails subdivision on the edge of Longview reported seeing a man moving from yard to yard.
Harrison County deputies got there around 5:40 am. They found Hamilton about an hour later and a foot chase started.
“Deputies on the foot pursuit saw that the subject was holding a firearm to his head,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher said Hamilton’s gun was stolen from a truck nearby and that he had broken into an unoccupied home.
Fletcher said at this point officers formed a semi circle on a construction plot to prevent Hamilton from re-entering the neighborhood.
“When they did that, the subject stopped and stood his ground,” Fletcher said.
A lieutenant then fired a rubber bullet at Hamilton.
“It did not do what we wanted it to do,” Fletcher said. “The subject then pointed his firearm at my deputies, at our K-9 that had arrived on scene, and then turned and pointed it at our lieutenant. Kinda all at one time.”
Fletcher said five deputies then fired at Hamilton.
Hamilton was on FaceTime with his brother at the time of the shooting.
“He was on the phone, holding his phone and I physically seen him fall. On the ground,” Javorie Hamilton said. “I heard gunshots. Like four gunshots. and he fell to the ground and the phone hung up. I was at a loss for words. Because this is my baby brother. It just hurts.”
Sheriff Fletcher said the Texas Rangers are now in control of the investigation and will continue their review.
No Harrison County deputies were injured.
What Is Chuck E. Cheese in Longview — and Why Is It Different From an Indoor Playground?Chuck E. Cheese Longview is a full-scale family entertainment center — the only major venue of its kind built from the ground up for kids ages 2–12.It is not a trampoline park. It is not a bounce house. It has those things, but it also has 50 to over 100 arcade games, a full pizzeria with fresh-baked pizza and wings, dedicated birthday party areas, and the only safety system in family entertainment that stamps every membe...
Chuck E. Cheese Longview is a full-scale family entertainment center — the only major venue of its kind built from the ground up for kids ages 2–12.
It is not a trampoline park. It is not a bounce house. It has those things, but it also has 50 to over 100 arcade games, a full pizzeria with fresh-baked pizza and wings, dedicated birthday party areas, and the only safety system in family entertainment that stamps every member of your group with matching UV ink so no child leaves without the right adult.
No other indoor playground near Longview combines all of that in one climate-controlled space. Whatever the weather is doing outside, the fun is always on inside.
Six reasons Longview families choose Chuck E. Cheese over a single-activity indoor playground.
“94% of Chuck E. Cheese locations have trampolines — plus arcade games, pizza, and birthday rooms.”
A trampoline park is one thing. Chuck E. Cheese is six things — including a full restaurant and a character your kids already love.
| What You Get | Chuck E. Cheese | Urban Air | Sky Zone | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trampoline / indoor playground | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Dedicated kids-only zone (under 56″) | ? | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Arcade games (50–100+) | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Full restaurant / hot food menu | ? | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| On-site birthday celebrations | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Prize redemption / ticket counter | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Mascot character / entertainment | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Child safety / exit UV stamp system | ? Kid Check® | ? | ? | ? |
| Monthly membership starting under $10 | ? $7.99/mo | ? | ? | ? |
| Sensory-friendly programming | ? SSS™ | ? | ? | ? |
Competitor feature information based on publicly available website data as of May 2026. Features may vary by location.
The Trampoline Zone is a fully enclosed, padded jumping area designed specifically for kids under 56 inches (4′8″) tall.
That height limit is the whole point: it keeps the floor free from teenagers and adults, so your 3-year-old isn't sharing space with a 14-year-old doing backflips. Every session is supervised, padded walls are standard, and the equipment exceeds ASTM F2970 safety standards with daily inspections.
Grip socks are included free with every Adventure Zone admission — Chuck E. Cheese-branded, taken home as a souvenir. When kids are done bouncing, the arcade is 30 steps away. No packing up, no driving to the next stop.
The Superhero Playground is a multi-level indoor playground packed with climbing walls, rope challenges, balance beams, slides, and tunnels — the kind of full-body obstacle course that builds coordination and burns real energy.
It is built into the Adventure Zone alongside the Trampoline Zone, giving kids two distinct indoor playground environments in the same visit. Unlike standalone indoor playgrounds where the structure is the whole experience, the Superhero Playground at Chuck E. Cheese is surrounded by the arcade, the pizza restaurant, and the prize counter.
Kids cycle through activities on their own terms. Parents can sit in the dining area with a slice and a drink rather than standing on a rubber floor for two hours.
The Adventure Zone is open year-round, indoors and climate-controlled — so whether Longview is hitting triple digits or dealing with a cold snap, the fun doesn't depend on the forecast.
Chuck E. Cheese locations near Longview carry 45 arcade and redemption games — skill games, racing simulators, basketball shooters, claw machines, and cooperative games parents and kids play side by side.
All earning E-Tickets stored digitally on a reusable Play Pass® card. Tickets add up across visits and redeem at the prize counter for real prizes. It is the only indoor play venue near Longview where your child leaves with something they actually earned.
Most indoor playgrounds route parents to the sidelines. Chuck E. Cheese is designed for parents to play too.
The arcade floor has games calibrated for every age — simple button-press games for toddlers, skill-based games for older kids, and competitive head-to-head games that work perfectly for a parent vs. kid showdown.
The Fun Pass® membership starting at $7.99/month includes daily Play Points, making repeat visits easy on the budget for Longviewite.
Chuck E. Cheese is a real pizza restaurant. The kitchen bakes fresh pizzas — personal, medium, large, and XL — including stuffed crust and specialty pies, with gluten-free crust available.
The full menu includes traditional and boneless wings, cheesy bread, saucy meatballs, salad barYes, desserts, and a full beverage menu. Prices vary by location; pizza starts at $9.49 for a personal pie.
This matters on family outings. At a trampoline park, "dining" typically means vending machines and pre-packaged counter food. At Chuck E. Cheese, parents eat a proper meal while kids rotate between the arcade and the playground.
The kitchen is open the entire visit — you are not racing to leave before anyone gets hungry. Fun Pass® members also save 20–50% on food with every visit, depending on tier.
Packages start at $99.99 for 6 kids — includes a reserved birthday area, food, Play Points, and the Ticket Blaster wind tunnel where the birthday kid catches as many tickets as they can in 30 seconds. Book online or call (903) 234-1111 to get started.
Book a Birthday Party
Chuck E. Cheese Longview is the indoor play destination for Longviewite. You'll find us NW Loop 281 & McCann Rd, near Longview Mall. The Chuck E. Cheese in Longview, TX, offers a dedicated parking lot for its customers.
Families from Longview Independent School District have made Chuck E. Cheese their go-to for rainy day plans, school break activities, and after-game celebrations for Longview Lobos.
Birthday parties here mean the venue handles the food, the entertainment, the games, and the cleanup — not you.
Sensory Sensitive Sundays™ are offered at this location — the first Sunday of each month with dimmed lights, lower music, and a calm environment designed for children with sensory sensitivities. At participating locations only.
Open year-round, every day, regardless of weather.
Kid Check®
UV stamp system — every visitor in, every visitor verified out
Ecolab™
Science Certified cleaning protocols — first FEC brand to earn this seal
ASTM
F2970 — indoor playground equipment inspected daily, exceeds this standard
Named to Brands Most Trusted by Parents list — 2026
Published 2:10 am Sunday, July 12, 2026LONGVIEW — Benjamin Frederick Grimes, of Longview, Texas, succumbed to a brief but tenacious battle with pancreatic cancer on July 4, 2026. He was born in Coats, North Carolina, on April 22, 1940, to Roy and Lema Grimes. His youth was spent jerking sodas, working on the family tobacco farm and hanging out with friends. A young man of sheer ambition, he left his hometown with just $15 after graduating from Lillington High School. Carrying his life’s possessions in the trunk of his firs...
Published 2:10 am Sunday, July 12, 2026
LONGVIEW — Benjamin Frederick Grimes, of Longview, Texas, succumbed to a brief but tenacious battle with pancreatic cancer on July 4, 2026. He was born in Coats, North Carolina, on April 22, 1940, to Roy and Lema Grimes. His youth was spent jerking sodas, working on the family tobacco farm and hanging out with friends. A young man of sheer ambition, he left his hometown with just $15 after graduating from Lillington High School. Carrying his life’s possessions in the trunk of his first car, he settled in Longview, Texas with his sights set on studying Engineering at LeTourneau Technical College.
After arriving in Longview, Benny took on a number of odd jobs much like his peers from that generation; it should be noted early on he embodied the term self-reliance – a trait he carried on until his death. However, life happened and he paused his studies at LeTourneau to join the military. In a moment of respectful defiance he enlisted in the USAF rather than the Army and left for basic training shortly thereafter at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. He was later stationed in Limestone, ME, and served one year in South Korea. He once shared that he could straddle both sides of the Korean border while inside the iconic blue conference buildings at the Joint Security Area (JSA) – Panmunjom.
After returning to Longview when his assignment ended, Ben’s family grew with the birth of his sons, Eric and Jason. They lived in south Longview until 1973 while he was working for Continental Can and later moved that year to the north side of town where he began a lengthy career with Stemco serving as a manager in their Seals and Hubometer departments garnering several patents along the way. At home his time was spent coaching Little League baseball, attending band and choir booster meetings and concerts, singing in the church choir, and driving the FBC church bus all over the country and Mexico. You could find him working on outside projects like building cabinets for local shop owners, home renovations, and fixing absolutely anything – probably his most notable talent. Even post-retirement he took a job at Hawkins Creek Assisted Living as a maintenance guy and made many a cherished resident-friend. One thing is clear about Ben, he was present.
After marrying Gayle Brown in 1989 they settled in The Woodlands subdivision where they began a life of family gatherings, Lake Cherokee trips, travel, entertaining, being entertained, and later, covered in grandkids, and grand nieces/nephews and Zoe, their prized Cocker Spaniel. Few grandparents showered their loved ones with as much love and affection as Ben and Gayle did. He built every toy, doll, scooter, bicycle, or rocketship there is, and they all came with an unlimited warranty.
Ben’s survivors include his cherished wife, Gayle (Brown); his sons, Eric (Laura) Jason and stepson, Jeffrey (Amy) Brown; grandchildren, Tristan, Selena, Owen, Jason, Brooks, and Ella; siblings, Jerry, Ricky, and Timmy, and beloved pet, Zoe.
LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - The third annual East Texas Comic Con takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Longview Exhibit Center, featuring celebrity guests, a cosplay showcases and vintage comic books.East Texas Comic Con director Javier Torres said this year marks a significant jump in momentum for the event.“We saw some good growth the second year, but we’ve seen an explosion of growth this year,” Torres said. “This year everything has come together and you could see it, like, manifesting in the communit...
LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - The third annual East Texas Comic Con takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Longview Exhibit Center, featuring celebrity guests, a cosplay showcases and vintage comic books.
East Texas Comic Con director Javier Torres said this year marks a significant jump in momentum for the event.
“We saw some good growth the second year, but we’ve seen an explosion of growth this year,” Torres said. “This year everything has come together and you could see it, like, manifesting in the community. We’re watching it being not only embraced by the community, we’re watching the community drive the event.”
Attendees in costume will have the opportunity to walk the stage during a cosplay showcase. Torres said the event is intentionally not framed as a competition.
“Sometimes when we call it a contest, it may just dismay people from wanting to show what they’ve made,” Torres said.
Torres said the event’s early success has made booking guests easier each year.
“This year we’ve got a lot of Power Ranger, comics, anime, and even wrestling guests come on by,” Torres said.
In addition to collectibles and cards, the event will feature rare comic books.
“We also are bringing some really nostalgic comic books — stuff that this area hasn’t seen before, in terms of like gold age, silver age,” Torres said.
Torres said the event also gives attendees a chance to connect with others.
“Can make new friends and kind of meet people that they wouldn’t have met otherwise,” Torres said.
A weekend pass is $25. Teens pay $15. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. On-site ticket sales begin at 9 a.m. Saturday. Doors open at 11 a.m. The event runs until 7 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday.
855.822.2227
