Benjamin Wilson Benton, Sr., 90, of Horseshoe Road, South Mills, died Monday, September 21, 2009 at his residence.
A native of Columbus County, he was a self-employed farmer and a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where he was a past Secretary and Treasurer for the Men’s Bible Class. He was a lifetime member of the South Mills Ruritan Club and a past-president twice. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and received the WWII Victory European African Middle Eastern Theatre Award. He also received a Certificate of Appreciation from President Lyndon B. Johnson for serving five years on the Draft Board for the Selective Service.
Survivors include his wife, Thelma Hayes Benton of the residence; three daughters, Rita Perry of Maple, Nancy Wallace of Greensboro, and Sharon Farmer of Zebulon; a son, Benjamin W. Benton, Jr. of South Mills; eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
A funeral was held on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Trinity United Methodist Church, South Mills, with the Rev. Tommy Fields and the Rev. Carl Singley officiating. Military honors were presented by the William Clarence Jackson VFW Post 6060. Burial was in West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Trinity UMC Memorial Fund, 1386 NC Hwy. 343, South Mills, NC 27976 or the charity of one’s choice.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, Elizabeth City, handled the arrangements.
Condolences can be left at www.twifordfh.com.