Fred "Sonny" Eldridge Benefield

Funeral Services will be at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Collier-Butler Chapel for Mr. Fred “Sonny” Eldridge Benefield, age 82, of Gadsden who was called to his Heavenly Home on March 7, 2015 while surrounded by his loving family. Rev. Daniel Pope will officiate. Burial will be at Cave Springs Cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services will direct.

Mr. Benefield was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who knew him. His sense of humor and laughter will be forever missed. He was often described as a southern gentleman, a man with “true grit”. A talented and giving man, never wanting recognition for his good deeds. He consistently demonstrated love for God and his family. He was an outdoorsman with a gentle heart for nature, loved fishing and wildflower photography. He was an active member of the Etowah Master Gardeners. Many hours were also spent in his workshop creating small masterpieces for others to enjoy. The extent of what he would do for his “GIRLS” (wife, daughters, granddaughter) and Grandson, had no boundaries.

Life with this incredible man has been a WONDERFUL JOURNEY!

He served his beloved country in the United States Navy. He retired from Gulf State Steel. He was a long time member of Bellevue United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Fred F. Benefield and mother, Pairlee Floyd Vaughn, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Emmett and Lucille Downs.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 56 years, Geneva “Jeanne” Downs Benefield, daughters, Cindy Pike, Susan Johnson (Rex), grandchildren, Shauna Fuhrman and Will Pike, brothers, Dale Vaughn (Debra), David Benefield, Danny Benefield and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces.

Pallbearers will be Will Pike, Dale Vaughn, Rex Johnson, Gene Cleveland, Roy Smith and Don Cothran.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Bellevue United Men and church family. Dear friends of the Etowah County Master Gardeners. Fishing buddy Earl Callaham. John Nichols and Co Workers of Gulf State Steel, especially Hot Strip Mill friends. Neighbors of Sherwood and Bellevue Drive.

A special thanks to Jan Hale Stevens, Jackie Faust, Gene Cleveland, Staff of Gadsden Regional Medical Center, Alacare Home Health, Dr. Steve Sanders, Dr. Bryan McGwier, and associated Physicians of Southern Cardiovascular along with Clinical Urology Associates of Gadsden.

Our Family would like to express appreciation for the out pouring of love, prayers, and support over the last three months.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Bellevue United Methodist Church, 209 Mary Lou Circle, Gadsden, AL 35904 or the Etowah County Master Gardener, Inc c/o Joyce Green, 160 Mt. Pleasant Road, Altoona, AL 35952.

The family will receive friends from 2:30 p.m. until the hour of service today at the funeral home.

LIFE is not measured by the number of Breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Thank you DAD, for a beautiful life here on earth!