James Ray Benson

Funeral services with military honors were held Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Bethel Baptist Church in Monticello, MS for Mr. James Ray Benson, age 83, of Monticello who passed away February 25, 2010 at his residence. Internment followed at Bethel Cemetery. Rev. Michael Smith and Rev. Tim Morrison officiated. Pall bearers were Jason Sandifer, Cas Stamps, Adam Clay, Matthew Clay, Patrick Winnon, Glen Powell, Keith Powell and Cobby Lang. Honorary pall bearers were Deacon Powell, Robert Lang, Charles Ray Ard, Robert Ard, Col. James Jones, Col. Ronald Cox, Col. Bobby Thornton, Wayne Hilliard and David Boydstop. James Ray Benson was born April 3, 1926 in New Hebron, MS to C. S. & Letha Benson. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. He retired as a CW4 technician with the Mississippi National Guard after serving his country for 42 years. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, the National Guard Assn. of USA, National Guard of MS and a mason. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He enjoyed vegetable gardening and fishing. He was an avid major league baseball fan. His two favorite baseball players were Stan Musial of the St. Louis Cardinals and Al Kaline of the Detroit Tigers. He was a true ‘American Patriot.’ He is survived by his children, a son, James “Bo” Benson of Silver Creek; daughters, Patricia B. Stamps and Sue B. Lambert both of Monticello, Gloria B. Winnon of Ellisville; step son, Mikell Sandifer of Monticello, step daughters, Vickie B. Clay of Columbus and Beth B. Stamps of Monticello; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Idell Benson, his second wife, Mary Benson and two sisters.