He was born in Lincoln County, on December 23, 1948, and was the son of the late William Clyde and Naomi Houser Benfield.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 30 years, Leslie Hunter Benfield of the home; sons Dennis Allen Benfield Jr. and wife, Erika, of Fredericksburg, TX, and Christopher Scott Benfield and wife, Christy, of Hickory; daughters Lindsay Caroline Drunasky and husband, Nick, of Woodbridge, VA and Keriann Hunter Uesugi and husband, Aaron, of Columbia, MD and ten wonderful grandchildren.
Dennis was raised in Catawba County, but resided in Caldwell County for the last 40+ years. He was active in community and church activities from childhood on. He was a member of Hickory’s Boy Scout Troop #1 and earned his Eagle Scout as a young teenager. He was proud to have played on Hickory High’s ’66-’67 undefeated football team. As he raised his two sons, he coached community ball teams including the Pepsi-Cola Cowboys. Coach Benfield led the Cowboys to back to back championships in 1988-89. Dennis provided play-by-play radio coverage for WHKY and Hickory High School cheering for Allen and Scott as they played for the Tornadoes. His career in Public Relations included employment at Lenoir-Rhyne College, Catawba Valley Community College and, lastly, 15 years with Centel/Sprint. Dennis was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for 20 years and currently worshipped at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church. Regardless of church membership, he was always welcomed in the tenor section of the choir. In retirement, Dennis served on the Caldwell County Soil and Water Conservation District Board beginning in 2006. He liked nothing better than dabbling in whatever made him happy. He especially loved the company of his children and grandchildren and several dogs that he spoiled rotten.
Memorial gifts may be made to New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 2120 Startown Road, Hickory, NC 28602.
Online condolences may be left at www.hickoryfh.com
Arrangements are with Hickory Funeral Home.
DONATIONS
New Jerusalem Lutheran Church2120 Startown Road, Hickory, NC 28602
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18