Charles “Dick” Benson, 80, of Tifton died Sunday, April 12, 2009, in Tallahassee, Florida. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. Rev. Steve Hand will officiate with burial to follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Dusty Cone, Brad Chandler, Matt Chandler, Darrell Benson, Bobby Benson, Ricky Benson, Jamie Taylor and Raleigh Moorman will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Mr. Benson was born on January 22, 1929 in Worth County and was the son of Winfred Benson and Esther Sumner Benson, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Emma Jean Benson; an infant son; and two brothers, Eugene Benson and Marvin Benson. He was a retired farmer and of the Baptist faith. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in the Korean War.
Mr. Benson is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn and Jack Chandler of Good Hope, Cathy and Jay Garmon of Sylvester, Connie and David Cone of Tifton, and Christy and Mike Oliver of Thomasville; a very special friend, Betty Griner of Nashville; grandchildren, Brad and Kelly Chandler, Melissa and Jeff Prince, Matt and Savannah Chandler, Jennifer and Henry Sumner, Dusty Cone, and Taylor Oliver; great grandchildren, Walker and Wyatt Prince, and Emma, Kade and Rece Chandler; three brothers, Edgar Benson, Donald Benson and Harold Benson; three sisters, Merle Underwood, Louise Williams and Mary Jo Arrington.