Gene Franklin Benton, Sr.

FLORENCE Gene Franklin Benton, Sr., 88, died Monday, October 13, 2014, after an illness.

He was born in Florence, SC, a son of the late Elmer Roy and Mae Holland Benton. After graduating from Florence High School, he attended the University of Georgia, where he played football. He was the owner and operator of King Drug Company in Florence until his retirement.

Mr. Benton was a member of Central United Methodist Church and the Christian Family Sunday School Class. He was also a member of the Florence Kiwanis Club and the Agriculture Committee.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Inman Benton of the home; a daughter, Hope (Evan) Hanna of Florence; three sons, Gene F. (Liz) Benton, Jr., and Bill Benton, both of Florence, and Jim (Carla) Benton of Spartanburg; eight grandchildren, Holland (Brent) White, Lex (Brittany) Hanna, Lindsay (Jimmy) McQueen, Leigh (George) Dawson, Lane (Cory) Davis, Will Benton, Jay Benton, and Wood Benton; and seven great-grandchildren.

Mr. Benton was predeceased by a brother, Roy Benton.

A private family interment will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery. The memorial service will be 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 15, 2014, at Central United Methodist Church with visitation prior to the service in the Commons Area from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The family will be at 524 Azalea Lane, Florence.

Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 87, Florence, SC 29503.

The family extends special thanks to Drs. Ross and Boulware for their compassionate care of Mr. Benton.

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