Robert Charles Benton, age 87 of Belmont, North Carolina and formerly of Cornelia, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2017.
Born in Cornelia, Georgia on August 22, 1930, he was a son of the late Selby McGruder and Willa Mae Savage Benton.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Peggy Owens Benton whom he married on November 22, 1951 in Hertford, NC. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on November 22, 2016.
Bob is retired from his career in the United States Army where he served for over 20 years with the final rank of Master Sergeant. He served two terms of duty during the Vietnam War. He was the recipient of the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Purple Heart, Civil Action Medal 1st Class, National Defense Services Medal 1st OCL, Bronze Star Medal and others. He is also a retiree from the US Post Office in Cornelia, GA after 20 years of service.
Bob and Peggy lived and attended church in Cornelia, GA for many years and have wonderful family and friends there now. They relocated to Belmont, NC in 2009. The Bentons have numerous family members that they enjoy spending time and friends that they love and worship with in Belmont, NC and while camping at various locations.
Survivors include: Barbara Benton Kinard and husband Danny of Belmont, NC; Robert Selby (Bob) Benton of Gloucester, VA and William Todd Benton and wife Regina of Mount Airy, GA. They have 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, September 9 2017 at 2:00 PM at McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, GA, phone number 706-778-8668.
The family will receive friends Saturday, September 9 2017 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the same location.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at: www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
