He was born on Oct. 29, 1926 in Polk County, the eldest child of the late Nobel Ruffin “Hoke” Benefield and Beatrice Biggers Benefield.
Mr. Benefield was retired from the commercial construction industry. He was a Veteran, proudly serving in and retiring from the United States Air Force.
Mr. Benefield originally enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946. He saw action in three military conflicts throughout the years, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was the recipient of many ribbons and was awarded the Bronze Star.
Mr. Benefield faithfully served his community over the years, serving several terms on the Cedartown City Commission as a Commissioner, following his election in 1990. He held the distinction of serving as Commission Chairman in 1992, 1993 & 1994. Mr. Benefield served as the President of the Georgia Municipal Association for the Seventh District. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Cedartown.
Mr. Benefield was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Betty Benefield Hobgood.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, whom he married in 1952, Thelma Strickland Benefield; his sons and daughters-in-law, John and Meka Benefield and Jimmy and Faith Benefield; daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah and Johnny Barrett, Linda and David Lindsey and Carol and Scott Saunders; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Gwen Benefield; sister and brother-in-law, Martha Elizabeth and Stan Helton; 13 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 from the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Cedartown. Rev. Wayne Benefield officiated.
Interment followed in the Northview Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Robbins Air Force Base Honor Guard.
Pallbearers were Daniel Barrett, Ryan Lindsey, Matt Lindsey, Morgan Morris, Jimmy Benefield and Jacob Benefield. Honorary pallbearers were U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, Billy Croker, David Johnson, Stanley Gorman, Ray Merritt, J.D. Nichols, Mike McRae, Sammy Stephens, Dwain Campbell, Curtis Lewis, Jack Fetkenhour, Roger Waldrop, Nathan Dean and past or present City of Cedartown employees and staff.
The family has requested that flowers be omitted. Memorial contributions can be made to either: First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 101 N. College St., Cedartown, GA 30125 or to Amedysis Hospice Care of Cartersville, 1217 Joe Frank Harris Pkwy., SE, Cartersville, GA 30120.
Those wishing can sign the online guestbook at www.liteseyfh.com to extend personal condolences to the family.
The Lester C. Litesey Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.