The funeral service for Mr. Edward Zealus “E. Z.” Benefield, age 93 of Lineville, will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Lineville Baptist Church with Pastor Ben Curlee and Rev. Jerry Colquett officiating. Burial will follow in the Lineville City Cemetery.
Mr. Benefield passed away on Sunday, April 25, 2021 in the Lineville Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was a Randolph County native, born in the Hobson Community, the son of Lawson David and Bertha Wilson Benefield. E. Z. attended Rock Stand School and Randolph County High School and at the age of 18 joined the U. S. Merchant Marine service, sailing on the S. S. Nick Stoner. Shortly after completing his term of service, he joined the U. S. Army. Following his honorable discharge, Mr. Benefield began his career in Law Enforcement with the LaGrange (GA) Police Department. It was there he met his life partner and wife of almost 70 years: Bobbie Jean Wadsworth, marrying her on Christmas Day of 1951.
In 1957, E. Z. moved his young family to Pompano Beach, Florida where he served as a motorcycle patrol officer with the Pompano Beach Police Department. 10 years later, the family returned to “home in the country” in Randolph County. Once settled in, he took over the operation of the family business – Benefield Grocery, managed a large cattle farm for the F. S. McManus family and also worked as a rural route carrier for the Roanoke Post Office. In 1972, E. Z. and his brother Donald established the Benefield Funeral Home in Wedowee. It was there he found his life’s work and true calling: funeral service. In 1975 the business expanded to Clay County with E. Z. relocating his family, putting down roots in Lineville and managing the Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville. Over the next 40+ years, he served the public with generosity, compassion and dignity. E. Z. brought his three sons and grandson into the business, teaching by example the meaning of the credo “A Family Tradition of Professional Service with Personal Care.” In his spare time, he did find time to serve his community in many other ways, including the Clay County Exchange Club, the Lineville Masonic Lodge # 219 F & A M, and as a member and deacon at Lineville Baptist Church.
Mr. Benefield is survived by his wife, Bobbie W. Benefield; three sons: Scott Benefield (Nancy), Matt Benefield (Sandra) and David Benefield (Lynn); all of Lineville; two sisters: Pauline Jackson of LaGrange and Orene Crenshaw of Roanoke; five grandchildren: Mary Dyer (Reiley), Sam Benefield, Lawson Benefield (fiance’ Katie), Lana Benefield and Leah Benefield; one great-grandson, Luke Dyer; four sisters-in-law: Linda W. Giles, Nanette Price, Jenny Wadsworth and Alice Benefield. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers: Carl, D. V., Dorsey, Ralph and Donald Benefield plus two infant sisters: Wilma and Irene.
Deacons of Lineville Baptist Church will serve as active pallbearers. The staff of Hospice of Clay County and Lineville Health and Rehabilitation Center will serve as honorary pallbearers.
The family requests no flowers. They would appreciate contributions in memory of Mr. E.Z. be made to the Hospice of Clay County, P. O. Box 1270, Ashland, AL 36251. A public viewing will be held on Friday, April 30, 2021 from 8:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville. On-line condolences may be sent via benefieldfuneralhome.com. The funeral service may be viewed via Facebook Live at the Lineville Baptist Church Facebook page.
