Donald Ray Benton, age 71, left this earthly life for his eternal rest on Saturday, June 30, 2012 from his home in Wallace.

He was born December 11, 1940 in Wilson County and was the son of the late Henry Sloan and Amanda Z. Johnson Benton. He is predeceased by his brother, Henry Benton and sisters, Henrietta Goodman and Dorothy Batts.

He attended United Christian Fellowship Church.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his devoted wife of 51 years, Louise Hope Benton; his loving children, Carolyn B. Davis of Wallace, Jackie Ray Benton and wife, Taylor of Faison and Deborah Kaye Maynor of Benson; his grandchildren, Brian Benton and wife, Christin, Jessica Messer and Katelin Benton; great grandchildren, Connor Benton and Kaylin Johnson; sisters Elsie Sikes and husband, Bob of Wilmington and Helen Dunn of Ashboro.

Funeral service will be 6:00 pm Monday, July 2, 2012 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with Pastor Edward "Buddy" Dowd and Pastor Ray Carter officiating.

The family will receive friends on Monday evening immediately following the funeral service until 8:00pm at the funeral home.

Donald was a devoted husband and caring father, grandfather and brother. He found great joy in the simplest things, but his greatest joy was family, especially his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Although he was somewhat quiet and reserved, Donald never met a stranger. He was a man of integrity and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family request that memorial gifts be given to Carolina East Home Care & Hospice, PO Box 887, Kenansville, NC 28349.

You may send your condolences to the family at www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Wallace.

Funeral service will be 6:00 pm Monday, July 2, 2012 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel

The family will receive friends on Monday evening immediately following the funeral service until 8:00 pm at the funeral home.