Mr. Bill Frank Benton

Bill Frank Benton, beloved husband of the late Betty Joyce (McIlwain) Benton, passed away peacefully and casually with one last breath in the Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home during 0945, September 5, 2022, nearly 90 years young.

Born September 25, 1932, in Mobile, Alabama to Johnny Pierce Benton and Annie Lou (Adams) Benton during the Great Depression, Bill considered his lifetime a series of phases from which he always learned and strove towards becoming a better man and person, quoted years ago saying, “There have been many people and events that influenced me and created the person I am today,” and “…. our lives go through several stages, each one changes our lives and prepares us for the next stage.”

In his early youth while moving around the South during World War II, Bill enjoyed building a work ethic with a variety of jobs, as a: paper boy; soda jerk; clerk in several kinds of stores; writer for a weekly newspaper; and assistant in a print shop. He finally settled in Citronelle, AL where he attended Citronelle High School and notably played football, basketball, and baseball. Upon graduation, Bill proceeded to East Mississippi Junior College (Scooba) where he played football under Coach Bob “Bull” “Cyclone” Sullivan, describing him as “the most unforgettable person I have ever met. He was a big man with a huge heart. Coach Sullivan loved his boys and coached and taught more than football. He stressed life values and instilled a competitive and winning spirit and a continuing zest for life in everyone.” Like so many during those years, Bill joined the National Guard and on a preseason-projected National Junior College Championship team, the team was activated by the U.S. Army for Korea and proceeded to Fort Benning, GA where most, including Bill, continued to play football in the Army. He was Honorably Discharged from the Army when he proceeded to Alabama Polytechnic Institute (later, 1960, became Auburn University) and graduated in 1955.

By age 23, Bill had accomplished three years of military duty, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Textile Engineering, three years of marriage, a two-year-old son, and begun a career with Chemstrand Corporation in Pensacola, FL.

Bill remained with Chemstrand as it transitioned to Monsanto Chemical Company, and finally Solutia, Inc. Transfers included from Pensacola, FL to Greenville, SC in 1961, to Blacksburg, SC in 1966, and back to Greenville, SC in 1970 where he retired “Production Planning Manager” after thirty years of service in December, 1985 upon the deterioration of his wife Betty’s health. He took the role of caregiver to her and the two grew closer as they shared more time together until her passing in 2007 and 55 wonderful years of marriage.

Travel and meeting people were his favorite pastimes, “Never met a stranger,” always left people with smiles on their faces. He had a dry, careful humor that never offended others, but truly enjoyed life to its fullest. Additionally, tennis and golf were favored by him in his later years. He continued a love for orange-and-blue Auburn football as a true fan, not fair-weathered. Listen carefully and you can still hear him, “War Eagle!”

Always active and giving to the community, Bill participated in youth, civic, and professional organizations to include Junior Achievement, Boy Scouts, Beta Club, Royal Ambassadors, Rotary Club, Jaycees, Mensa, PhiPsi, judged a number of “Miss SC Teen USA” pageants, and was one of 12 people worldwide to judge an International Speech Contest . He was very active in Toastmasters, International as a Distinguished Toastmaster and held State/District and National offices in the organization with accomplishments at the District and International levels.

Bill Benton is survived by one son Robert Pierce BENTON and wife Jeannie residing in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina and one granddaughter Natalie Christina Hughes and husband Martyn residing in Wales, Great Britain.

Last but not least, Bill was a Christian who believed in and loved God and Jesus Christ. He prayed often and continuously found new ways to serve while here on Earth. Surely, in a different manner, he is finding ways to serve now.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Patriot Hospice & Palliative Care, 101 Grace Dr, Easley, SC 29640.