J. Ralph Benson

Benson, NC:  Mr. J. Ralph Benson, age 98, of Benson passed away Thursday at Liberty Commons. A funeral service will be 2:00PM Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Rose & Graham Funeral Chapel in Benson.  Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery. Officiating will be the Rev. Charles Royal. Born June 28, 1914 in Johnston County to the late Benjamin Julius and Alice Jones Benson, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years Ruth Dixon Benson and by three sisters and two brothers. He was a long time member of Benson Baptist Church.  Mr. Benson was a meek, humble and very industrious man who had many talents.  In his early years he was a farmer, and then moving to Benson in 1947 he worked many years with Medlin & Dorman Tractor Company.  When he left this job, he opened his own tractor repair shop on Hill Street.  Mr. Benson’s wife passed 1997 and to keep busy he built many clocks, lighthouses, bird houses and bird feeders.  In October 2010 he moved to Liberty Commons and was there until his death.  The family wishes to thank the nurses, aides, and staff of Liberty Commons for the excellent care they gave to him during his time with them.  He will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends.  He is survived by his Daughter & Son-in-law, Mary Benson & Paul Gibbs of Raleigh; Three Grandchildren, Susan Reid of Knightdale, NC; David Gibbs of Greenville, NC and Jonathan Gibbs of Raleigh, NC; Two Great-Grandchildren, Jeremiah Reid and wife Nicole of Greenville, NC and  Zachary Gibbs of Greenville, NC. Several Nieces & Nephews. Family will receive friends at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson 1:00PM-1:45PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Benson Baptist Church PO Box 323, Benson, NC 27504.