George Monroe Benson Jr.

George Monroe Benson, Jr., of Hoover, Alabama, went to be with the Lord on June 4, 2022. George was the only child of George Monroe Benson, Sr and Mary Augusta Moore Benson, who both preceded him in death.

George was born on March 26, 1931, in Thorsby, AL. He attended Thorsby Elementary School. In the 1940’s the family moved to Fairfield, AL, and George graduated from Fairfield High School. He served his country in the US Army from 1952-1955. George graduated from Carraway School of Nursing in 1958. He then attended the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Program at the Mayo Clinic. He graduated in 1963, becoming among the first in the country to be awarded this degree.

George moved to Cullman, AL, and practiced at the Doctor’s Hospital. In 1981, he began working as anesthetist for Dr. Wayne Myers, an oral surgeon in Decatur. AL. He retired in 2006 after 25 years. He so enjoyed his work and dearly loved his work family.

George had many talents and interests, but he most enjoyed china painting. He was a true artist. He enjoyed his membership in the Cullman China Guild and the Decatur Porcelain Art Guild, attending regular meetings where they all shared their love for the art. George’s talents were recognized in the china painting world, and he was featured in an issue of the International China Painters Magazine. Family and friends have treasured pieces of his work.

George was an avid antique collector, spending many happy hours scouring antique shops with friends, attending antique auctions and haggling over prices. His Cullman home, which he purchased in 1969, was on the National Historic Registry and was beautifully furnished with his finds.

George lovingly helped care for his mother, who lived with his sister Marie in Birmingham, until her death. He spent his weekends in Birmingham, spending time with family and friends there. He was an active member of First Baptist Fairfield until the church disbanded and then he and Marie moved their membership to First Baptist Birmingham. He enjoyed his Sunday School Class and made many new friends.

George loved to travel and he had many pictures documenting his trips. He never missed an opportunity to take pictures of flowers and antiques on his many trips. There are hundreds of slides recording his interests!!

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his three half sisters, Marie Benson, Shirley Smith and Lurline Rutland; nephews Ronald Terry Smith, Sr. and Ronald Terry Smith, Jr.

George is survived and will be missed by nieces Joan Rutland Chamblee (Gary) and Sharon Smith Higbee (Edd) and nephew Jim Rutland (Denise), as well as many great nieces and nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to IPAT, Inc. (International Porcelain Artists and Teachers, Inc), an organization in which George proudly held membership. The address is P.O. Box 1807, Grapevine, TX 76099.

A celebration of George’s life will be held on Thursday, June 9 at 2PM at the Johns Ridout's Elmwood Chapel located at 800 Dennison Ave. SW Birmingham, AL. 35211 A visitation will be held at 1PM, just prior to the service. A light buffet will be served. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery Mausoleum.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Benson family.