Jesse Benton

Mr. Jesse “Ray” Benton, 85, went to be with the Lord surrounded by loving family February 2, 2023.  He was born November 16, 1937 in Yadkin County to the late Clent Lester Benton and Irene Denny Benton. Ray grew up in Shoals. He proudly Served in the United States Marines from 1956 to 1959.  He retired from RJ Reynolds Tobacco company with 32 years of service.  He was a longtime member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. In his spare time, he loved coast fishing and spending time with his family.  Ray was a loving husband, father, grandfather and will be dearly missed.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 42 years, Shirley Johnson Benton; two brothers, C.L. Benton, and David Benton; three sisters, Jo Scott, Dot Key, and Carol Moore, and son-in-law, Donnie Gatewood.  He is survived by two daughters, Cheryl Benton Gatewood and Tonya Benton Smith; two grandchildren, Jessica Smith, and Jacob Smith, all of King; three sisters, June Smith (Ted), of King, Francis Deveaux (Denis) of King, and Rita Manuel (Ronald) of Madison; one brother, Ira Benton (Sheila) of Auburn, WA; a special brother-in-law, Arno Key, and several nieces and nephews.  A funeral service will be conducted 2:00 PM Monday, February 6, 2023 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Roberts officiating.  Interment will follow the service at the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church.