Eugene L. “Gene” Benton
April 16th, 1936 - April 26th, 2023
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Gene's Obituary
Eugene L. “Gene” Benton, 87 years of age, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at his home.
Gene was born on April 16, 1936 in Ochlocknee, GA to the late H.P. and Lizzie “Bussbee” Benton. He was the youngest and tallest of ten children. He graduated from Ochlocknee Consolidated High School, in Ochlocknee, GA. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Japan and South Korea. After years of service, he was honorably discharged.
On February 19, 1983 he married the love of his life Betty Joyce (Vermillion) in Melbourne, Florida were they spent most of their married years before moving to Michigan in 2013 to be with their grandchildren.
Gene owned Benton Enterprises before he retired. He enjoyed spending time with family and watching the Georgia Bulldogs. His Christian faith was an essential part of his life. He will be remembered as a man who loves and served the Lord, his family, church and community.
Gene is survived by his wife of 40 years Betty Joyce Benton; stepchildren, Tim (Maricar) Shonk & Cindy Behrend both of Bridgman, MI; grandchildren, David Shonk & Brandon Shonk; brother James Lewis of Greenville, SC and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
He was preceded in death by his parent and his eight siblings; Albert Benton, Wesley Benton, Myrtice Bloodworth, Ruby Loyd, Margaret Lairsey, Deoris Vinson, Marie Kirby, and Evelyn Roberts.
Memorial contributions may be made to his wife, Betty Joyce Benton. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9460.
Gene was born on April 16, 1936 in Ochlocknee, GA to the late H.P. and Lizzie “Bussbee” Benton. He was the youngest and tallest of ten children. He graduated from Ochlocknee Consolidated High School, in Ochlocknee, GA. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Japan and South Korea. After years of service, he was honorably discharged.
On February 19, 1983 he married the love of his life Betty Joyce (Vermillion) in Melbourne, Florida were they spent most of their married years before moving to Michigan in 2013 to be with their grandchildren.
Gene owned Benton Enterprises before he retired. He enjoyed spending time with family and watching the Georgia Bulldogs. His Christian faith was an essential part of his life. He will be remembered as a man who loves and served the Lord, his family, church and community.
Gene is survived by his wife of 40 years Betty Joyce Benton; stepchildren, Tim (Maricar) Shonk & Cindy Behrend both of Bridgman, MI; grandchildren, David Shonk & Brandon Shonk; brother James Lewis of Greenville, SC and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
He was preceded in death by his parent and his eight siblings; Albert Benton, Wesley Benton, Myrtice Bloodworth, Ruby Loyd, Margaret Lairsey, Deoris Vinson, Marie Kirby, and Evelyn Roberts.
Memorial contributions may be made to his wife, Betty Joyce Benton. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9460.
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