Charles Benfield

Mr. Charles Ashford Benfield, 81, of Cary, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 19 surrounded by family and holding his cherished daughter’s hand. 

Funeral, Thursday, 11:00 AM, at Wilson Memorial Service followed by visitation.

Charlie was born and raised in New Bern, North Carolina. He graduated from then East Carolina College with a degree in business administration (B.S) in 1964. He went on to have a successful career with Duke Energy until he retired at the age of 62. Charlie is best remembered as a wonderful son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He was most at home with a good cup of coffee and a western movie playing on the tv or while watching a baseball game. He shared this love with anyone lucky enough to strike up a conversation with him, and he passed this love on to his grandchildren. Charlie never passed up a chance to bring them to the ballpark or spend a few hours at the Baseball Museum. Most of all, Charlie was a good and kind man who could brighten even the worst day with a joke. Charlie will be missed by many. He is home and finally resting, wrapped up in the arms of the Lord waiting for those he loved to join him. 

He is survived by his daughter Deana Bass and husband, Jeffrey, of Wilson; grandsons, Justin, Jeremy, and Joshua Bass; step-mother, Inge Benfield of New Bern; sisters, Martha Ann Secor and husband, Gene, of Newnan, GA, Carol Ann Jarmon and husband, John, of New Bern, Bonnie Ramsey and husband, Ricky, of Garner, Connie Lorraine and husband, Jim, of Jetersville, VA, Denise Kirkland and husband, Jim, of Raleigh, Christina Pearson and husband, Kurt, of Mebane; sister-in- law, Barbara Tyndall; brother, Dr. Ron Benfield and wife, Pam, of Statesville.

Charles was preceded in death by his son, Rodney Benfield, his parents Charles William Benfield and Leatha Small Benfield, and brother Carl Tyndall.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the North Carolina Baseball Museum, PO Box 8142, Wilson, NC 27893.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com