Lynn Benson

James Lynn Benson, age 83, passed away on October 19, 2025, with his loving wife by his side, enveloped in the love of his girls. Lynn was born on May 27, 1942 in Charlotte, North Carolina, to William Randle Benson and Muriel Louise House Benson.

Lynn was a loving and devoted husband, a beloved father and grandfather. He was affectionately known as Papa Lynn, not just by family but also by friends, teammates, their children, and even caregivers.

Growing up in Charlotte, Lynn played football and baseball from 8th grade through graduation at Wingate College. He was the starting pitcher and star running back at Harding High and left fielder and running back at Wingate.

Following his graduation from Wingate in 1962, he continued his education at East Carolina University where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Upon graduation, Lynn began his career with Union Carbide as a salesman.

For the next 40 years, he worked in the tire industry, owning his first business in Columbia, SC. He held various sales and management positions, and ultimately retired from American Tire Distributors. Following his retirement, he purchased a tire supply business, Wise Tech Supply, and enjoyed growing that business and cultivating relationships with new and former customers. He fully retired in 2018.

Many of his associates have described Lynn as a legend in the tire business. He was highly respected in the industry for his work ethic, knowledge and "in just the way he took care of his people”, whether they were co-workers or customers.

Lynn showed his appreciation for his co-workers, employees, teams, family and friends with his love of hosting events, taking pride in grilling chicken wings, making Beaufort stew, hot dogs, and sometimes a great steak. He was a pro at pulling together annual reunions of his Wingate baseball and football teams, whether in the stands or out behind right field or the goal posts.

He was one of a kind and not just in the eyes of the Lord, but in the eyes of those who truly knew and loved him. This was evident in his volunteer work. He coached and mentored many athletes in marathons and triathlons. He raised funds for the Leukemia Society's Team in Training. Lynn served on the Bulldog Club Board of Directors at Wingate and was the Inaugural Team Ambassador for Football and Baseball. He helped everyone achieve their goal; it didn't matter if it was for a waitress from a New York City restaurant, a young man he met on a cruise ship, or one of his nurses from the Heart Hospital. He built their training plan.

In retirement, he enjoyed planning and traveling to events for his children and grandchildren. He was a master planner down to the last detail. He is best known for his GTTMRO trip. This was an 8,000 mile road trip around the USA. His goal was to "go til the money ran out", leaving his pockets empty, and holding only a bologna sandwich.

Lynn was private and humble. He did not allow himself to be the recipient of all he gave. Yet, he was the first to spring into action when he heard of anyone being sick, injured, hurting or in need.

Towards the end of his life, Lynn encountered many health challenges. He faced each of those challenges like he did everything else, with a fighting spirit.

His greatest pride was his love of his wife, daughters and granddaughters, his girls.

Lynn lived his life according to Acts 20:35 ..."there is more happiness in giving than in receiving."

Lynn is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 26 years, Robin Taylor Benson; his loving daughters, Missie Mansfield (Russ) and Carol Ann Hood (Robbie); and his granddaughters, Anna Mansfield, Sarah Mansfield, Caroline Hood Briley (Ryan) and Cameron Hood.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for all the prayers, love, and support. A special thanks to all his caregivers.

There will be a service at the Gazebo at Woodridge Memorial Park, Lexington, SC at 2:00 PM, November 5, 2025. A Celebration of Life follows from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the Corley Mill House and Gardens, Lexington, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Lynn and Robin Benson Athletic Scholarship Fund at Wingate University, c/o Cristi Slape, P. O. Box 159, Wingate, NC 28174, or to the charity of choice.