The Rev. C. Mike Benson, 62, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 9, after a long battle with cancer. A native of Forsyth, GA, and a graduate of Mercer University, Rev. Benson worked as a civil servant at Robins Air Logistics Center in Warner Robins before entering seminary at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, in Atlanta. He was ordained as a deacon in the United Methodist Church in 1993, received his Master of Theology degree in 1994, and was ordained an elder in 1997.
Throughout his career in the South Georgia Conference, Rev. Benson served the Marion County Circuit in Buena Vista, including Union, Brantley, Tazewell, and Bethel UMCs; New Harvest UMC, Valdosta; Striplin Terrace UMC, Columbus; First UMC, Sylvania; and Central UMC, Fitzgerald.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Terri K. Benson, Fitzgerald; two sons, Stephen C. Benson, Fitzgerald, and C. Daniel Benson, Athens; his parents, Charles and Betty Benson, Warner Robins; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 11, from 6-8 p.m. at Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald. Celebration of life services will be held Saturday, Aug. 12, at 11:30 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church, Fitzgerald, with the Rev. Dr. Derek McAleer officiating, assisted by the Rev. Henry Bass, the Rev. Dr. Rich Wright, and the Rev. B.J. Funk. Pall bearers will be Daniel Benson, Stephen Benson, Dell Smith, Martin Will, Bill Melton, and Bobby Melton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Special Projects/Needs Fund at Central UMC, P.O. Box 428, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.