GARNETT THOMAS BENTON

Tommy is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of over forty-nine years, Rendy “Sheryl” Benton; two sons, Carlton Thomas Benton, Sr. and his wife, Jennifer; and Ryan Collin Benton; a sister, Debbie Eaton and her husband Albert; a brother, Joey Benton and his wife Ann; and four treasured grandchildren, Carlton Thomas Benton, Jr., Conrad Preston Benton, Chapman Garnett Benton and Campbell Sophia Benton.

Born October 15th, 1950 in Portsmouth, VA, he was the son of the late Thomas and Garnett Benton. Tommy worked as a funeral director at Snellings and Holloman-Brown Funeral Homes for thirteen (13) years. During that time, he also served as a Combat Medic Specialist for six (6) years in the United States Army National Guard. He then continued his employment as a Federal Civil Service Employee with the U.S. Department of the Navy (DoN), Department of Defense (DoD) and General Services Administration (GSA) until his retirement in 2017 after thirty-eight (38) years of service.

Tommy was an active member of Alive Church in Chesapeake, VA and served his community in many capacities. Over the years, he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group Leader, Deacon, Treasurer, Community Small Group Bible Study Leader and was on the Board of Directors of the Taylor Bend Family YMCA. In addition, Tommy and Sheryl worked with and supported the God Behind Bars Ministry at Alive Church and the Oasis Homeless Shelter in Portsmouth, VA.

Tommy loved driving and showing his classic 1934 Ford Coupe Street Rod and attending Hot Rod and Custom Car Shows. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, sons and grandchildren, by whom he will be deeply missed.

The family will receive friends at the Sturtevant Funeral Home, Bennetts Creek Chapel on Friday, March 17th, 2023 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 18th, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Alive Church, 1935 Jolliff Rd, Chesapeake, VA by the Reverends Michael Brueseke and Jason Hawks. Followed by a graveside service at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, 4569 Shoulders Hill Rd, Suffolk, VA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Oasis Homeless Shelter (www.oasissocialministry.org) or the God Behind Bars Ministry at Alive Church (www.godbehindbars.com/give).

Events

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MeadowbrookMemorialGardens.com for the BENTON family.