Hugh R. Benton

Mr. Hugh R. Benton, 88, of Ocean Springs, passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2007 in Ocean Springs. Mr. Benton was a native of Mendenhall, MS. He also was a longtime resident of Jackson and had lived on the coast for the past ten years. He was a graduate of Mendenhall High School. Mr. Benton served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and as a Staff Sergeant in the U. S. Army during WWII. He was a two time POW and received three Purple Hearts and was awarded the Bronze Star in the European Theatre. He retired after 35 years as a Supervisor of Trim and Pack Department for Mississippi Products in Jackson, MS. Mr. Benton was a member and past worthy patron of Radiant Chapter #120 Order of the Eastern Star in Jackson and a Master Mason of Lodge #620 in Jackson. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs. Mr. Benton was preceded in death by his wife, Willie Lois Bishop Benton; his parents, Joe and Daisy Benton; eight brothers and two sisters. Mr. Benton is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Gary Ann (Gary) Holderfield of Biloxi; his son, Charles Hugh Benton of Ocean Springs; two granddaughters, Mrs. Elizabeth (Jim) Williams of Colliersville, TN and Mrs. Sara (Taylor) Whiddon of Warner Robins, GA; a grandson, Bradley Benton of Madison, MS; three great-grandsons, Tanner Williams of Colliersville, TN and Wilson and Kyler Benton of Madison, MS; and a great-granddaughter, Abi Alden Benton of Madison, MS. Visitation will be Thursday, June 21st from 5:00 until 8:00pm at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes. A graveside service will be held on Friday at 11:00am in Magee City Cemetery in Magee, MS.