Benjamin Allen Liska

Benjamin Allen Liska, longtime surfer and legendary surf shop owner, a beloved husband, son, stepfather, brother, uncle, friend, dedicated mentor, talented musician, and a cornerstone of the Corpus Christi community, passed away on July 1, 2026, at the age of 74, surrounded by family and friends. Ben lived a life deeply rooted in the things he loved: God, his faith, his family, precious friends, ranching, and the surf.

As the 1976 founder of Benjamin’s Surf, he created far more than a surf shop… he built a community hub. Through his business, Ben became a trusted mentor to countless local youth over the years, teaching them not just about business or catching the perfect wave, but about integrity, hard work, and kindness. In the lineup at the beach, he was a steady, welcoming presence who championed the local surf family.

Ben’s sister Caroline and niece Nell worked alongside Ben at Benjamin’s as it grew to several stores in Corpus Christi and Austin’s Barton Creek Mall. Benjamin’s earned fierce loyalty and a multi-generational customer base, where customers who grew up shopping there now bring their own children, creating a family tradition centered around the sport Ben loved. The Benjamin’s Surf Team proudly competed in Texas Gulf Surf Association (TGSA) events and at various Gulf Coast surf spots.

When Ben wasn’t near the ocean, he found peace as an avid hunter and a rancher raising Texas Longhorns at Tio Benito Ranch, embracing the rhythms of nature.

His life was also filled with a deep love for music. A gifted musician and singer, Ben lifted his voice in his church choir, served as a longtime member of the Coastal Bend Emmaus Community leading many music teams, and was a vibrant presence in “Jamin” sessions. Alongside friends and family, he excelled at bringing people together through melody and rhythm across all genres of music.

After selling Benjamin’s, Ben transitioned into real estate and started Benjamin Art, Etc., selling art collections from favorite artists around the world, amazing antiques, jewelry, and more to customers all over the nation.

Above all, Ben was a man who loved God, his family, and his friends forever. Ben never met a stranger and was welcoming to all. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, mentorship, and a community that is profoundly better for having known him.

Ben grew up in Robstown as the son of a farming family, where he was a standout football player for the Robstown Cotton Pickers. A proud 1969 graduate of Robstown High School, he fondly remembered being a member of the 1966 District Champions Football Team. Ben went on to graduate from the University of Texas in 1974 with a Bachelor's in Education. He and his UT college roommates never missed a chance to compare notes and share lively opinions on Longhorn football games.

Ben is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Brenda McClaugherty Marshall Liska; adored stepsons whom he called his sons, Chad Marshall and Garrett Marshall; his beloved sister and brother-in-law, Caroline Liska Thompson and Dr. John T. Thompson; cherished nieces, Nell Thompson Foret (Bobby) and Elizabeth Liska; precious great nieces, Madison Liska and Liv Owens, along with a vast circle of loving friends, family, musicians, and surfers who will carry his memory forward.

Ben is preceded in death by his cherished parents, Janelle and Bennie Liska, and his beloved brother, Boyd Liska.

Honorary Pallbearers and lifetime treasured friends and UT college roommates Charla Long, Dudley & Sandy Austin, Robert & Susan Anderson, Stephen Bond, Gerry McFarlend, and Jenny & Allen Jenkins.

Cherished family and friends, Chad Marshall, Garrett Marshall, Larry McClaugherty, Ted Thompson, Bobby Foret, Bill Bauer, Fred Elliff, Bob Cournoyer, Randy Wimpee, Matt Becka, Chris Knaus, David Garza, Ronnie White, Terry Hoover, Larry Tipton, Lynn Tipton, and Patrick Coyle.

The family wishes to extend a special note of gratitude to Dr. Srikanth Damaraju for his years of loving care and friendship, along with everyone who cared for Ben at Doctors Regional ICU Unit 2. Their care and unbelievable compassion for Ben and our family knew no bounds and we will be forever grateful.

The family would also like to thank the current owner of Benjamin’s Surf, Gerry Anderson, for continuing to carry on Benjamin’s legacy… Ben Liska’s “baby” and creation.

For those of you who cannot attend in person, livestreaming is provided below by Sawyer George Funeral Home or please visit the online livestream at:

FACEBOOK LIVE LINK: www.facebook.com/CCGRACEUMC

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail or online to the following two organizations that were so dear to Ben’s heart:

Grace United Methodist Church:

GIVE ONLINE: ccgrace.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/9f26ae17-a07c-4376-8441-0aa29132ea4c

Mail to: Grace UMC, 14521 Northwest Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78410

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GIVE ONLINE:

Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP)

GIVE ONLINE: www.campcamp.org

Mail to: Children’s Association for Maximum Potential, (Camp Camp)

P.O. Box 27086, San Antonio, TX 78227

SERVICES:

Saturday, August 1, 2026

· 1:00 p.m. – Visitation

· 2:00 p.m. – Celebration of Life

· Location: Grace United Methodist Church, 14521 Northwest Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78410

Saturday, September 12, 2026

· 10:00 a.m. – Ben’s Memorial Paddle Out

· Location: Packery Channel North Jetty, Corpus Christi, TX 78418

Saturday, October 10, 2026

· 10:00 a.m. – Old Surfer’s Reunion & Memorial Paddle Out

· Location: Stahlman Pavilion, Surfside Beach, Texas

All who knew and loved Ben are welcome to join—whether out in the water or standing on the shore—to celebrate a life beautifully lived.