Billy Benson

Billy Ray Benson, 64, of Bladenboro passed away on Friday, January 10, 2020. He was preceded in death by his father, William “Dick” Benson. He is survived by his mother, Rita B. Bryan (Wilbur) of Bladenboro; his loving wife of 44 years, Pam Benson, of the home; two sons: Jeremy Benson (Stacy) of Chadbourn; Jonathan Benson (Chastity) of Lumberton; one brother, Russell Benson (Tina) of Bladenboro; three sisters: Sarah Jane Benson of Bladenboro; Sandra “Buck” Breland (Richard) of Bladenboro; Betty Ann Davis (Buddy) of Bladenboro; and five grandchildren: Alyssa, Morgan, Hunter, Brooklyn and Brayden.

Billy Ray was all about family. From his wife, children and grandchildren to his parents, siblings and in-laws, he always looked after everyone. Family cruises to the family business, Benson’s Grill, it was always about family. Billy Ray coached his boys from tee ball to the Majors. He also served his community as the town commissioner for many years, coached church ball, served as umpire to countless ball games, and cut grass for the elderly. A definite people person who loved to talk and never met a stranger.

He enjoyed trips to the mountains, especially Cades Cove, where he would spend the entire day taking in God’s country. Billy Ray also enjoyed hunting, fishing for spots, and watching sports or westerns on tv. When the weather was fitting, he would spend time gardening and taking care of his chickens. He would sit for hours just taking in the view. When asked what he was doing, he would reply “Watching the garden grow”. He loved flowers, especially a rose bush and his favorite pet was his puppy Coco.

Billy Ray was a pillar in his family as well as the community. A smile, a voice and a heart of gold that will not soon be forgotten.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Saturday, January 11th at Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A funeral service will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, January 12 at Bethel Holiness Church in Bladenboro with Brother Jerry Smith, Sister Hazel Smith and Russell Benson officiating. Burial will follow the services in the Memory Lane Cemetery in Bladenboro.