T.O. Benton was born on June 30, 1939 in Canon, GA to the late O.B. and the late Mary Swilling Benton and was the eldest of eight children. He was called home to be with the Lord on December 27, 2022. T.O. was preceded in death by his four siblings, Tom Benton, George (Jr.) Benton, Willie Nell (James) Link, and Mack Benton, Sr; daughter, Michelle Renee Benton-Grant; son-in-law, Kent Martin; sisters-in-law, Barbara Fuller and Geraldine Copes; brothers-in-law, Thomas Copes, Walter Copes, and Walter Harper.
T.O. started working at the age of 8 as a sharecropper in addition to working at Broom Tire. He left Canon as a teenager and moved to Florida. He had multiple occupations throughout his life. While in Florida, he worked at a Cadillac dealership and was adamant about not picking oranges. Years later, he moved to South Philadelphia, where he was employed at the Drake Hotel. Starting as a member of the custodial staff, he worked his way up to general manager, overseeing all hotel operations. It was during this time that he met Ruth Copes. They were joined in holy matrimony and were together 60 exuberant years. While T.O. was many things, these are some of the most prominent descriptions that come to mind when thinking of him.
Strong – While he was strong physically throughout many stages of life, he also was strong emotionally to endure countless obstacles and raise a huge family.
Spiritual – T.O. received Jesus Christ as his personal savior and was a devoted usher and trustee at Harmony Grove Missionary Baptist Church for over 30 years.
Humble – He displayed his humbleness through his many pivots in life and especially when returning to his roots after many years of exploring life outside of Georgia.
Loving – T.O. displayed his love in many ways, but most of all through his actions and care for others.
Affectionately called Dad, Daddy O, Unc, Pop-Pop, Killa, and Tommy, T.O. had a big laugh and infectious smile.
He leaves to cherish his memories to his wife, Ruth C. Benton; children, Kevin O. (Gwendolyn) Benton, Diane Benton, Sylvia Benton-Martin, Derryl (Jackie) Benton, and their mother Bernice Johnson-Davis. Tanya Benton, Sondra (Barry) Benton-Smallwood, Thomas Benton, Marcell (Taunya) Benton, Steve Benton, Brooks (Sheconda) Benton, Odell (Topeka) Benton, and La’Monica Sessoms; 40 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; sisters, Linda Harper and Dean Stewart Heard; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Benton, Patricia Parks, Margaret (Timothy) Clemons, Pamela (Lamont) Greer, Mattie Diane Copes, and Yolanda Nelson; brother-in-law, Karl (Carmen) Copes; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other loved ones; extended family and special friends, Winnie Grant, Michael Sessoms, The Carroll Family, The Reel Family, and Dexter T. Sims.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday January 3, 2023 at 12pm at Harmony Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will be in church cemetery. Viewing will be Monday January 2, 2023 from 1pm-7pm. The family will receive family and friends from 5pm-7pm.
Dexter T. Sims Mortuary, LLC, Royston, has charge of arrangements.