Eugene "Gene" Junior Benton

Eugene Junior Benton (Gene), 88, of Kannapolis went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 4, 2023. He was born August 28, 1934 in Madison County, Ga., the son of the late Roy Hawkins Benton and Willie Lou Thompson Benton.  His family moved to Kannapolis from Colbert, Georgia in his early childhood to pursue careers with Cannon Mills.

Gene married Annie Lois Armstrong in 1954 and they remained married until her passing in 2016. Gene and Annie were married for nearly 62 years.

Gene was a 1952 graduate of A.L. Brown High School. He attended Kings Business College in Charlotte, and served in the US Army from 1956-1957 when he was honorably discharged.  He retired from a career with AT&T where he was a supervisor with 36 years of service.

Gene and was Annie were long-time members of First Baptist Church of Kannapolis.  Gene was also a member of the Jaycees, Junior Achievement, Cannon Memorial Lodge #626 AF&AM, York Rite, Cabarrus Shrine Club and Oasis Temple in Charlotte. He was a long- time member of Kannapolis Country Club and loved playing golf with his closest friends, whether it be at the club or on golf trips.  He and Annie also enjoyed going on many fishing trips to the Outer Banks with their friends.

Gene spent the final years of his life as a resident of Caremoor Retirement Community in Kannapolis.

Survivors left to cherish his memory include three sons; Rick Benton and wife Bettye of Surf City, NC, Ronnie Benton of Kannapolis, and Randy Benton of Landis.

Gene is also survived by two grandsons; Ross Benton of Surf City and Bret Benton and wife Elizabeth of Cape Carteret, a granddaughter, Briittany Benton, and two great grandsons; Ashton and Parker Benton.

A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 10, 2023 at Whitley’s Funeral Chapel conducted by Rev. Dr. Tom Cabaniss. Interment will be private at Carolina Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Kannapolis, 101 N. Main Street, Kannapolis, NC. 28081 or via www.firstbaptistkannapolis.com

Online condolences may also be sent to www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.