RICHARD P. BENTON
Sept. 6, 1928-Nov. 28, 2006
Richard Paul Benton, 78, of 3200 Summit Road, died Tuesday at Pitt County Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Benton was born in Wayne County to the late James Luby and Gladys Hinnant Benton. He was a retired investigator with the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Agriculture. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Funeral services will be Friday at 2 p.m. at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1608 E. Pine St., Goldsboro. The Reverends David Harvin and Glenn Everett will officiate. Burial will follow in Wayne Memorial Park with Masonic Rites.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marie Fulghum Benton; daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Ernie Vinson of Goldsboro; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Pam Benton of Goldsboro; daughter and son-in-law, Xan and Scott Knopick of Fremont; grandchildren, Brittany and Brandon Vinson of Goldsboro and Layne, Skylar and Braeden Knopick of Fremont; brothers, Dr. Thomas Benton and wife, Barbara, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and John Benton of Goldsboro; sisters, Faye Hudson, Rose Hansen, and Betty Lou Robinson and husband, Larry, all of Goldsboro; sister-in-law, Virginia Benton of Goldsboro and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Harold Benton.
Mr. Benton was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, where he served over the years as chairman of the Board of Trustees, member of the Administrative Board, Head Usher and other various committees. He was a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class and sang for several years with the Kingdom Heirs gospel quartet.
He was a member of the Wayne Masonic Lodge 112 A.F. & A.M., where he served as Master in 1974. He served as district deputy grand master and was a certified lecturer. He served as worthy patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 54 from 1980-81.
He was a member of the Wayne Shrine Club, where he served on various committees and the Board. He was a member of the Sudan Temple in New Bern and the Scottish Rite Consistory in Wilmington.
He was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer for many years. He also was a multi-talented comedian, artist, singer and painter. His outgoing personality will be missed by all who knew him.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home on Thursday and all other times at the home.
Flowers are welcome but donations may be made to the Shriner Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 490, New Bern, NC 28560 or to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1608 E. Pine Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
(Written & Paid by the Family)
Published in Obituaries on November 29, 2006 1:47 PM