John Benton

John Thomas Benton, 81 of Riegelwood passed away suddenly in the early morning hours of March 20, 2008.

He was born on April 23, 1926 to Jessie and Minnie Benton of Pireway. He retired in 1995 from Federal Paper Company.

He was preceded in death by his only son, Thomas Dale Benton of Kelly, NC.

John is survived by his wonderful loving wife of 62 years, Gladys Lee Canady Benton. She was his heart and the love of his life. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Frances and husband,Alex Williams Jr. of Riegelwood. Grandchildren, Randy and wife, Jan Williams of Lake Waccamaw; Monique Williams of Riegelwood; Cindy and husband, Dean Robinson of Kelly; and Ryan Thornton of Kelly. He is also survived by five great grandchildren, Dana Goodman,Alexander Williams,Alyssa Williams, Tyler Robinson and Andrew Robinson; daughter-in-law ,Cathy and husband Kenny Thornton of Kelly and special friends, John and Linda Smith of Riegelwood,as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends March 21, 2008 from 6:30 until 8:30 pm at Bladen Funeral Home in Elizabethtown.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at 2:30 pm at Carvers Creek United Methodist Church with Rev. Buddy Champion officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers,the family requests that contributions be made in his memory, to Lower Cape Fear Hospice of Columbus County.