Mr. Vernon Benson

VERNON BENSON August 28, 1927 – January 6, 2016 Vernon Benson, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 with his loving daughters by his side. Mr. Benson was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Edward and Macie White Benson; and his loving wife of close to 40 years, Carolyn Holman Benson. Left to cherish his memory is his 2 daughters, Bobbie King and husband John of Huntsville; and Debra Bradford and husband Bob of Kure Beach, NC; 2 step-sons, Mark Wade and wife Karla of New Hope; and Curtis Wade and wife Julie of Huntsville; 2 sisters, Elizabeth Lung and husband George of Huntsville, and Odessa Amos and husband Glen of Winchester, TN; 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; and numerous other relatives and friends. Vernon was a proud US Navy veteran and liked gardening, raising roses and making wine from his home grown grapes and Muscadine vines. He loved playing golf, water skiing, being outdoors, camping, hiking and feeding the birds and critters that came to the house or patio. “Vern” as most people knew him, helped clear land to start the Huntsville Botanical Gardens, and established the first greenhouses and flower beds there. He received the “Thousand Point of Light” award and also the “Beautification Award” in 1992. You may visit with the family at Valhalla Funeral Home on Saturday, January 9, 2016 from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM. There will be a chapel service conducted by Dr. Bobby Burt in Valhalla’s Chapel commencing at 3:00 PM. The interment, with Military Honors, will follow immediately in Valhalla Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Huntsville Botanical Gardens. Please sign the guest registry at www.valhallafunerals.com.