Robert Louis Benton

Robert Louis Benton, 86, of Cary died on Easter Morning, Sunday, April 20, 2014. He was born in Apex, NC on June 13, 1927 to Howard C. Benton and Lillian Jones Benton. He was a graduate of Apex High School where he played in three major sports. Robert attended Edwards Military Institute in Salemburg, NC and joined the Merchant Marines. He came back from Australia with a ship of War Brides. He traveled with the Merchant Marines all over the world. After serving in the Merchant Marines, Robert decided to join the Army and served in Berlin, Germany during the occupation.

Robert came back to Apex and worked at Daddy Howard’s Grocery. He met Dorothy Pugh and they were married in 1949. He and Dot have just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Robert worked with NC Equipment Company in Raleigh, including 5 years in Ashland, VA. He moved his family back to Wake County, NC in 1967 and retired in 1989. Robert was very active in his church, Apex Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy “Dot” Pugh Benton; daughters: Patricia “Pat” Bennett (Steve) of Rich Square, NC and Margaret “Peggy” Lineberger of Hartsville, SC; brother: James H. Benton of Charlotte; and grandchildren: Brooke Bennett, Jeb Bennett, Brittany (Brian) Knapko, and Matthew Lineberger.

He is preceded in death by his sister: Margaret Ferry, brothers: Bruce J. Benton, and Talmadge Benton.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St., Apex. A Funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 2:00 PM in the Apex Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Apex Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Apex Baptist Church, 100 S Salem St., Apex, NC 27502.

Condolences may be made at www.apexfuneral.net