William Martin Benson, Sr.

William Martin Benson, Sr. went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 23, 2012, while surrounded by his family. He was born in Smithfield, NC to the late Henry Alton and Magadline Darden Benson. Bill was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. After graduating from high school, he was drafted in the United States Army, serving a three year term. After departure from the Army he began his career in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as an electronic apprentice, graduating with honors. He retired from the shipyard after 42 years of service. He managed the Carrier Type Desk for Carriers to be overhauled and ended his career of manager of the Planning Department at Sup Ship Portsmouth, Norfolk Naval Shipyard. He was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and was very active in Church and community organizations including, Lay Speaker for the Portsmouth District United Methodist Church and Sunday School Teacher for 40 years. He was a member of Portsmouth #100 Masonic Lodge, Past Master of Fellowship Masonic Lodge #148, a member of Portsmouth Scottish Rite Bodies where he received his 33rd degree and was Secretary of Scottish Rite Bodies, Portsmouth, VA, for ten years, a member of Mt. Horab Royal Arch Chapter, Portsmouth Commandry #5, a member of Khedive Shrine Temple and a member of Fellowship Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. He is survived by his loving wife and sweetheart of 60 years, Alice Fields Benson, two sons, William M. Benson, Jr. and his wife, Ann; John Jack O. Benson; four grandchildren, Jessica Benson Yocum, William Douglas Benson, David H. Benson and John K. Benson; one great-granddaughter, Evelyn Ray Yocum; two sisters, Peggy B. Hawkins Bill; Bettie B. Poertner; two brothers, Robert D. Benson Dorothy; John S. Benson Peggy and Martha K. Benson, mother of Jessica Yocum and John K. Benson. He will be clearly missed by all along with his faithful and loving little dog, Miss Daisy Peabody. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4320 Bruce Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23321 or to the Portsmouth Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center, PO Box 7276, Portsmouth, VA 23703 A very special thanks go out to all of the staff of Bon Secours Nursing Care Center, where he grew to love them all as part of his family. The family will receive friends Sunday from 7 to 8 PM at Loving Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel. Services will be at Aldersgate United Methodist Church Monday, November 26, at 1 PM, by Rev. David Drinkard, Rev. Eric Song and Rev. Chuck Levitte, chaplain Bon Secours Nursing Care Center. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with Masonic Rites.