William Bobby Benson, a direct descendent of one of Lee County’s most pioneer families and a beloved citizen of the Brewer Community, departed this life for the life eternal on Monday, December 4, 2017 at the Benson family residence (circa 1836), the same house he was born in 86 years ago and lived in until his death yesterday. The son of William Jasper “Jap” Benson and Myrtle Irene Goodwin Benson, Bobby attended the public schools of Brewer and Shannon and Mississippi State University in Starkville. He continued a family tradition of farming the Benson family land all his life. Bobby was a patriotic American and served honorably in the US Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. His specialty was as a jet engine mechanic. He was on the Marine Corp Rifle Team that placed 3rd in the National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio in l953. He was discharged as a Lance Corporal (E-3) and received the National Defense Service Medal. Bobby spent many years working for the 5th District Supervisor in Lee County while maintaining his farming interests and his plentiful vegetable garden. A Methodist by faith and the grace of God, Bobby was a Meals on Wheels volunteer for the Methodist Church. He was known far and wide for his devotion to his family and community by helping those in need. A genealogist, he was devoted to assisting his wife, Wynelle in the research and writing of her definitive history of the Brewer Community especially contributing to the military section. Bobby devoted untold hours to the care and upkeep of the Old Chapel (Pettey) Cemetery where many of his forebears are buried as well as the Brewer United Methodist Church Cemetery. For many years, he hand dug graves to assist families who did not have the resources to pay. He faithfully put flags on all veteran’s graves for patriotic holidays for several decades. Bobby was a pleasant, kind gentle soul whose living amongst us made a difference in all our lives. He will be sorely missed.
A service of Death and Resurrection will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, December 6, 2016 at the Brewer United Methodist Church with military honors. His pastor, Rev. Chad Bowen will officiate and his nephew, Rev. Darrell Sanderson will assist. Private burial will follow in the Benson family plot at Brewer Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30-service time Wednesday only at the Brewer UMC. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo Chapel is assisting their friends. Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net
Bobby leaves his wife of 63 years, Wynelle Parker Benson; his daughter, Becky Bowles (Jeff); a grandson, William Bowles; A sister, Betty Williams, his sisters in law, Patsy Chunn and Eddielene Parker; His nephews, Darrell Sanderson, Neil Sanderson (Cindy), Johnny Williams (Sally), Mike Williams, Dale Chunn and Tim Parker (Jennifer), Terry Parker (Kathy) and Joe Dye. His nieces, Connie Sanderson, Carol Rush (Pete), Deborah Smith (Donny), Angie Williams (Garth), Penny Benson and a special family advisor and neighbor, Bill Benson (Maria). Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Infant Mattie Frances Benson and Ruth Sanderson and her husband, Ruben. A niece, Glinda Payne Dye, his in laws, Kisler and Evalinar Kirby Parker, two brothers in law, J. K. Parker, Jr. and James A. Williams and his grandparents, Tom and Mattie Davis Benson and Robert and Frances Elizabeth Graham Goodwin.
Pallbearers will be nephews and husbands of nieces.
Memorials may be made to the Brewer United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 1, Shannon, MS. 38868 or to the Brewer Cemetery Fund, 881 Drive 118, Shannon, MS. 38868.
