Glenn Benfield

Rufus Glenn Benfield, 94, of Statesville, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2015, at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville. He was born on April 15, 1921, in Iredell County.  The youngest of nine siblings, Mr. Benfield attended Sharon School and worked on his family’s farm.  He enlisted in the Navy August of 1944, and served in World War II in Japan.  Mr. Benfield returned to Statesville following the war and purchased a store and restaurant and then worked at Southern Furniture Company prior to retirement.  Following his retirement, Mr. Benfield enjoyed caring for the animals on his farm and spending time with his friends. He is survived by his children, Henry Benfield and Kathy (Tim) Estes; grandchildren: Kellie (Phillip) Kerley and Tamara Estes; great-granddaughter, Kendall Kerley; siblings: Mrs. Alma Benfield Bost and Mr. Ross (Mae) Benfield; and nephew J.D. Benfield.  He is also survived by the children and grandchildren of a special friend, the late Lula Hartzog Dillard, as they welcomed him into their hearts and homes.  He especially treasured the friendship he shared with Eugene Dillard and Judith Dillard Whittington. Mr. Benfield was preceded in death by his parents Jacob Henry Benfield and Sallie Pope Benfield, and his siblings: Mrs. Nona (Hoyle) Benfield Morrow, Mr. Ralph (Eva) Benfield, Mr. Dewey (Irene) Benfield, Mrs. Myrtle (Aron) Benfield Miller, Mrs. Cleo (Pete) Benfield Miller, and Mrs. Irene (Ray) Benfield Morrow; as well as Mrs. Lois Stikeleather Benfield.  He was also preceded in death by a brother-in-law Albert Bost as well as J.D. Benfield’s’ wife, Sue Benfield. A Service to Celebrate the Life of Mr. Benfield will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at 11:00 AM at Nicholson Funeral Home in Statesville with Rev. Gene Bruce officiating.  Burial with full military honors provided by Iredell County Veterans Burial Detail will be at 10:00 AM Thursday in the Iredell Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  The family will visit with friends Wednesday evening from 6:30 until 8:00 PM at Nicholson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231, or to VFW Post 2031 Scholarship Fund, 139 Jordan Lane, Statesville, NC 28677. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Autumn Care for their attentiveness and care of Mr. Benfield.  Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Glenn Benfield.