Robert "Bobby" Daniel Benton

Robert Daniel Benton, Bobby, was born on June 12, 1941 in Columbus, Ohio. Bobby was the 5th of 9 children born to the late Daniel and Fannie Mae (Lumpkin) Benton: Russell, Ella Mae, Louise, Lois, Bobby, Betty Ruth, Beverly, James, and Charles.

He peacefully departed this life on Saturday, the Sabbath, October 4, 2014. He is preceded in death by both parents, his brother, Russell Lumpkin, and his sisters, Ella Mae Blue, Lois Skeaton, Betty Ruth and Beverly Benton, great nephews Andrake Kelley and Aaron Cotton and great-great nephew, Michael Woods.

Bobby grew up in Columbus and attended East High School. At an early age, he was taught the value and importance of appreciating family, respecting individuals, and cultivating a strong work ethic. He exhibited these traits in his daily interactions with others throughout his life.

While employed by the federal government at the Defense Construction Supply Center (DCSC), Bobby received numerous awards for his outstanding job performance. Upon retiring, after 27 ½ years of dedicated service, he continued to "give back" while working for the Columbus Department of Recreation at the Martin Janis Center, "Meals on Wheels" program, and Tri-Star Company transporting mentally and physically challenged youngsters to school.

Bobby loved the LORD and became a baptized member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1981. He served as a faithful Deacon at the Columbus Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church for over 22 years and took his responsibilities very seriously. In June of this year, he prayerfully became the Head Deacon at the Columbus Fruit of the Spirit Seventh-day Adventist Church.

In addition to these positions, Bobby worked with the Community Services Department's "Bread" Ministry for five years helping his brother James deliver bread to Homeless Shelters and to the needy; assisted with the Nursing Home Ministry at the National Church Residences Stygler Road facility in Gahanna; was an active Funeral Committee member; and an original participant of the Personal Ministries "Bounty Hunters for the LORD" Missing Members Ministry Team.

On July 12, 1992, Bobby was married to Shirley R. Waugh and with her children, Lamonte Waugh and Valerie Green became one family. They were blessed with 22 years of marriage.

Bobby had a remarkable memory and could remember specific dates, times, and places. He was a true history buff and was able to recall family events, historic civil rights situations, and sporting milestones.

Anyone who knew Bobby quickly realized that he was an avid, die-hard fan of the Cleveland Browns. For over 55 years, win, lose or draw, the Cleveland Browns was his team. One of his greatest joys and surprise was when his brother, James, took him to the Browns Training Camp. That was a great day for him. A true sportsman, along with football, Bobby loved basketball, baseball, and recently began to enjoy soccer.

Bobby, a genuine sports enthusiast, not only enjoyed playing basketball but also taught basketball serving as a Coach and Mentor for inner-city youth with the First Team Christian Basketball organization for several years.

His interests included playing pool, cookouts, good food, cars, listening to gospel music, horseshoes, laughing, and being with his family and friends.

Bobby was a loving husband, caring father, awesome brother, wonderful uncle and the best grandfather and great-grandfather in the world. When visiting, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved to pile up in his bed, while he sat in his chair as they all ate popcorn and watched the "Ten Commandments ", The Wizard of Oz" or "Bruce Lee" for the hundredth time. He often took them all to the park and he loved them so much and they loved him back.

He loved us all with a quiet, steady and consistent love. He was always available to help anyone in need. He never looked for praise, but went about doing good to all those with whom he came in contact. He was truly God's humble servant.

While Bobby now rests from his labors, awaiting the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, he leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Shirley; children, Valerie (Geoffrey) Green, and Lamonte (Lena) Waugh; brothers, James (Patricia) Benton, Charles Benton, and sister, Louise Benton; grandchildren, Brandon Lamonte Caldwell; Jasmyn Nicole, Jenae Destiny, Geoffrey Dewayne, and Jordan David Green; Jasmine Nicole Ardister; Allen Payne and Stephen Henderson; Brandi Nicole, Lorenzo Robert, Alonzo Cortez and Nia Michelle Waugh; Great-granddaughters, Natalie Janel and Nadia Julissa Caldwell and Layla Battle; brothers and sisters-in-law, Eddie (Katherine) Scott, David (Donna) Kelley and Charles Kelley. Additionally, Bobby leaves 18 nieces, 14 nephews, 25 great nieces, 24 great nephews, 5 great-great nieces, 4 great, great nephews and a host of friends and extended family.