Charles Ray Benton Sr.

Charles Ray Benton Sr., 81, of Gold Hill, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025, at Novant Health-Rowan. He was born May 1, 1943, to the late Roy and Mary Graham Benton in Cabarrus County, NC.

Charles served in the U.S. Marines Corp. Charles worked many years for Food Lion. Then he owned and operated Ward’s Bakery with his wife Dotty “Delane” Phillips Benton. She preceded him in death on June 9, 2017. They raised their son Charles Ray Benton II and he preceded him in death on January 22, 2021. Ray was an avid Fisherman and hunter. He was always giving to charities; some include Falcon Children’s Home and battered women shelters. Ray was a lifelong area resident and lifelong member of Jackson Park Pentecostal Holiness Church, now The Message Community Church. Charles led the Youth of TMC over the years.

Those to cherish his memory include his two close friends, John McHone and Jarett Jordan; his brother, Marvin Benton; his sisters, Linda Barnhardt (Richard) and Sondra Hagar; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Delane; his sons, Charles “Jolly” Benton II and Infant Timothy Benton; and other siblings and relatives.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, February 20, 2025, at The Message Community Church. His funeral will be Friday, February 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the church officiated by Rev. Ed Burns. Burial will follow at Brookhill Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Message3 Community Church, 1008 Moose Road, Kannapolis, NC 28083.