David Eugene “Gene” Benton, Sr.
May 18, 1943 – February 3, 2025

Funeral services for David Eugene “Gene” Benton, Sr., 81, of Cairo, GA, are at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Long Branch Baptist Church, Cairo, GA. Rev. Dr. David Benton will officiate. Interment will be in Long Branch Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Benton passed away at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, Tallahassee, FL, on Monday, February 3, 2025.

Active pallbearers will be Jim Carver, Aidan Pitts, Dorsey Pitts, Hudson Paige, Whit Benton and Brandon Coleman. Honorary pallbearers will be Allen Baker, Ronnie Majors, Hubert DeSearcy, Jerry Tate, David Chaney, Burt Reagan, Troy Carver, James Carver, John Paul Williams, Joey Wilbanks and Michael White.

Mr. Benton was born on May 18, 1943, in Ochlocknee, GA, to the late John Drew Benton and the late Ozell Norton Benton. On November 2, 1962, he married Annie Ruth Carver Benton, who survives, and they recently celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Employed by John Deere for 42 years as a mechanic and technician, he became known by many as the John Deere Man. He was a dedicated member of Long Branch Baptist Church, where he also served as a Deacon. He was a loving family man.

Survivors include his wife, Annie Ruth Carver Benton of Cairo, GA; son, Dr. David Benton (Mellanie) of Doerun, GA; daughter, Sandra Mathis (Leon) of Cairo, GA; grandchildren, Brook Coleman (Brandon) of Doerun, GA, Whit Benton (Anna) of Doerun, GA, Aidan Pitts of Cairo, GA, Dorsey Pitts of Cairo, GA, Chelsea Benton of Vidalia, GA and Blaine Benton of Vidalia, GA; great-grandchildren, Hudson Paige, Autrey Benton, Benton Paige, Mack Benton, Jeffrey Benton, Jenni Lynn Benton, Cash Benton and Paisley Benton; sister, Hilda Barron (David) of Whitesburg, GA; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Gregory “Greg” Benton.

Memorials may be made in Mr. Benton’s memory to: First Option Care, 930 4th Street SE, Cairo, GA 39828.

The family will receive friends at Clark Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

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