John Benfield

John Richard Benfield, Sr., of Troutman, passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011 at home following his courageous battle with Parkinson's. "Johnny" was born Jan. 19, 1930 in Statesville to the late John Robert and Gladys Holland Benfield. Upon graduating from Statesville High, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Before reporting for duty, he vacationed at Carolina Beach where he met his first wife, Mildred Creel of Kinston. They married Sept. 29, 1947. He graduated, with honors, from Officers Candidate School at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Having missed being shipped overseas from the Korean War, he decided to exit the military and return to Statesville to start a business and raise his family. He continued his love of the military by joining the North Carolina National Guard. In June 1955, he founded Benfield Appliance Center, Inc., which served Iredell County until its closing in 2010. Through those 55 years, he often spoke of the hundreds of customers who became close and dear friends. He retired from the NCNG on his 50 birthday, 1980 to care for Millie, stricken with cancer. He had proudly served his country for a total of 33 years. Col. Benfield never forgot the dedicated men who served under his command in Statesville, Hickory and Charlotte. After 34 years of marriage, Johnny was saddened with the loss of Millie on November 27, 1981. But a very special woman came into Johnny's life, Jean Hefner Rosenbalm and on June 31, 1984, Jean became his bride. They shared 26 years together with her by his side, even in passing, clutching his hand. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church; past president of the Exchange Club and retired Fireman's Association; a sworn deputy having served under Sheriff Leroy Reavis and a retired member of the NC State Militia. Puttering about the barn with his cat, Samantha and traveling, visiting friends and family were his hobbies. He is survived by his sisters, Frances Leonard and Bobbie Ann Gregory (Jim); his children, Jennifer Jade Benfield (Steve Sutherland), John Richard Benfield, Jr. (Marie), Robert Rosenbalm (Debbie), Carolyn Plyler (David), Jeff Rosenbalm (Kelly), Jeannette Cox (Jimmy) and Chris Rosenbalm (Cynthia). "Paw Paw" had 15 grandchildren, four great grandchildren and was expecting another Sept. 11, 2011. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins to cherish his memory. A celebration of his life will be conducted 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church with Dr. Jeff Porter officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in Adams Hall. He will be honored by the Statesville Fire Department, the Iredell County Sheriffs Dept. and the NCNG with full military rites at the Benfield family plot on Sugar Maple Dr., Oakwood Cemetery following the church service. John requested that memorials be made in lieu of flowers to First Baptist Church, 815 Davie Ave., Statesville, NC 28677 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. John Benfield. Johnny's last request was that is family and friends know how much he loved them.