Bobby Ray Benton, Sr.

April 5, 1943 - June 20, 2022
Bobby Ray Benton, Sr.

Memorial Gifts & Donations


Bobby Ray Benton, Sr. age 79 of Wilmington, NC, sadly passed away on the 20th of June of 2022 at Northchase Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington.

Bobby was born in Wilmington on April 5, 1943 to the late Bonair and Estelle Benton.

Bobby graduated from New Hanover High School in Wilmington, NC. He then joined the U.S. Army and became a member of the Special Forces and a Green Beret. He was also a Vietnam Veteran. Bobby also studied Engineering Project Management at NC State University. He won many championships coaching Babe Ruth baseball in Wilmington, NC. He loved the outdoors and was a member of the Longbluff Hunting Club.

Bobby is survived by his son Kevin Benton, his brothers Billy Benton and Jimmy Benton, and his grandchildren Jesse, Courtny, Belinda, Cole, and Heath, and a great grandson Brock. He is predeceased by his parents Bonair and Estelle Benton, his wife Bonnie Faye Matz-Benton, his son Bobby Ray Benton, Jr., and his brother Benny Benton.

There will be a private family burial on Monday, June 27, 2022 at 3:00pm, taking place at Oleander Memorial Gardens. Bobby’s urn will be interred next to his late wife, Bonnie Faye Matz-Benton.

Please leave memories and condolences for Bobby’s family by posting to the Tribute Wall below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation – Wilmington Chapel – 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • July 12, 2022
    Amy Brooks lit a candle:
    Lit since July 12, 2022 at 7:41:41 PM

  • June 28, 2022
    Glenn Davenport says:
    Kevin, I am so sorry to learn of your dad's passing. Even though he coached me in Babe Ruth, I will always remember him as my all-star coach. I remember him with that big wad of chewing tobacco he seemed to always be working on when he was coaching. He spit some out on the infield dirt, covered it up, and said, "Boys, you are the cream of the crop!" As a 10-year kid that made such an impression on me, somebody believing in me. That's what a great coach should do! Another event that made an impression on me was when you and your mom came to my dad's wake. I know your dad's service was private, but if there is any kind of public celebration of his life, I would like to be notified. Eugene and I had planned to attend if there had been a public service. You and the rest of his family will be in my prayers.

  • June 28, 2022
    D Elaine Lewis says:
    I was 4 years old when my sister Gail taught me to spell your name before I could even spell my own. You were always in my life and even taught me to shoot a gun at Holly Shelter. I stayed with ya'll with the boys at the Heritage Park Drive house. I was there yesterday Big Slick.. chase those deer in heaven with your camera.. the Lewis girls.

  • June 26, 2022
    Barb Benton lit a candle:
    Lit since June 26, 2022 at 6:49:40 PM

  • June 26, 2022
    Nicole Baker lit a candle:
    Lit since June 26, 2022 at 6:49:36 PM