John Z. Benton, Jr.

Mr. Benton was a Mint Hill native, born on July 14th, 1924.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy Sherin Benton, as well as their children, John Z. Benton III, and wife Teena; Gary Michael Benton, and wife Jane; and Sandra B. Purnell, and husband Steve. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; two sisters and four brothers.

He served proudly in the U.S. Army Air Corp during WWII. He was a charter member of the Mint Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, elder at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, and past worshipful master of the Matthews Masonic Lodge.

Mr. Benton was the maintenance manager for Marsh Properties of Charlotte for many years. He was known by all who knew him as the person who could repair anything. All during his life he attended numerous schools all across the country to sharpen his skills. Once retired, he was able to fulfill a lifetime wish to travel. He and his beloved wife Dorothy visited every state in the U.S., as well as exotic trips to the South Pacific Islands and to Hawaii. JZ, John, Dad, Paw-Paw, and Pee-Paw will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

His family will receive friends on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, from 6-8 p.m. at the McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011, at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, 9401 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC. Reverend Luke H. Maybry will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen Burial Park in Mint Hill, NC.

Mr. Benton was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and 4 sisters.

The family requests that donations in John’s memory be directed Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church.

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.