Richard Lee Benton, age 58, died June 11, 2010 at home in Conway, S.C. Born in Conway, South Carolina, he is the son of William "Lloyd" Benton and the late Mabel Rouse Benton. He was a member of Zion Pentecostal Holiness Church and served as a Sunday School teacher and worked with youth and other functions of the church. He was a graduate of Myrtle Beach High School and served in the U.S. Air Force. He was employed by New South Lumber Company for 34 years. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to play golf and enjoyed cooking for family and church. He was very strong in his faith and was strong during his health trials. Dr. Holt referred to Richard as his "poster child." He was preceded in death by his mother, Mabel Rouse Benton; two brothers, Rev. William Glen Benton, Donald Ray Benton; and his grandson, Hunter Lee Benton. Survivors include his wife, Geraldine Tyler Benton of Conway; his father, William "Lloyd" Benton, step mother, Mary Emily Benton of Myrtle Beach; a son, Alan Benton and daughter-in-law, Carmen Benton, of Conway; and daughter, Amanda Benton of Conway; a step son, John Long and daughter-in-law, Denise Long, of Loris; brothers include Billy Benton and sister-in-law, Pat Benton, of Cummings, Georgia, David Benton of Marietta, Georgia; and a step brother, Joey Johnson and sister-in-law, Amy Johnson, of Conway. Grandchildren include Hannah Benton of Conway, Josh and Taylor Long, and Morgan Elliott of Loris. He also had many special aunts, uncles and cousins. The family will receive friends Sunday, from 5 until 8 p.m., at the Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church in Myrtle Beach. Officiating will be the Rev. Larry Cashatt and Rev. Eddie Wilson. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Zion Pentecostal Holiness Church Fund, 4889 Hwy. 701 North, Conway, SC 29526. Condolences may be made at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com. The Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Published in the Sun News June 13, 2010