James "Sonny" Benton

Obituary James Sonny Benton, 73, of Beaufort, formerly of New Bern, died Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at home. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at the Smyrna Pentecostal Holiness Church, 85 Hwy 70 East, Smyrna, followed by a second service at 4:30 p.m., at Greenleaf Memorial Park, Lakeview Chapel, 900 River Road, New Bern. Mr. Benton was born on August 23, 1940, in Southern Pines, to John James and Marjori Ophelia Benton. He served his country in the United States Navy, from 1958 to 1961. His last job before retiring was as a vending manager at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point. Mr. Benton was a member of Smyrna Pentecostal Holiness Church, Smyrna. He is survived by his wife, A. Diane Thomas Benton; son, Keith Benton and companion, Barry Markillie, of Wilmington; a stepmother, Willidean Benton of Bayboro; stepchildren, Renee Ipock and husband, Perry, of Vanceboro, Ronald Wood and wife, Jessica, of Richmond, VA, and Andrea Wood of Gloucester, NC; sisters, Pennie Malloy of Tallahassee, FL and Tria Decrooch of Lakeland, FL; and brother, James Dickie Benton of Richmond, VA and 6 grandchildren. In addition to his parents, his son, James Benton, Jr., preceded him in death. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service 1:00 P.M. ,Tuesday, July 15, 2014 Smyrna Pentecostal Holiness Church 85 Highway 70 East Smyrna, NC Notes: The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Second Service with Military Honors 4:30 p.m. ,Tuesday, July 15, 2014 Greenleaf Memorial Park 900 River Road New Bern, NC 28562 Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of James "Sonny" Benton