John Albert Benson, Jr. traversed life with integrity, generosity, and a wry sense of humor. He spent his childhood in Myrtle Grove Sound, fishing and hunting. He would forever be a waterman, hunter, and nature lover. After school, John joined the Navy and served proudly as part of an elite Underwater Demolition Team (UDT), the precursor to today’s US Navy Seals.
Upon completion of his military service, he began a 55-year career as a Professional Land Surveyor. He designed and laid out numerous subdivisions in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick Counties. He was also licensed in the state of South Carolina. John’s work was beyond reproach, and he was highly regarded among his peers.
John Albert Benson, Jr. returned to the point of beginning, his heavenly home, on May 26, 2019. He was born October 10, 1938, the son of Alma Rooks Benson and John Albert Benson, Sr. He attended New Hanover County Schools and Wilmington College.
He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Barbara Crawford Benson, and his three children: John Alan Benson, Elizabeth Paige Brown (Sandy), and Belinda Benson Volikas; three grandsons: Alan, John Ryan, and Joseph Benson; and his beloved sister, Margaret Benson McDuffie (Alan) and their children Kevin and Lindsey. John was also blessed with two “bonus” children, Kim Allard (David) and Buddy Allard (Laura), and six “bonus” grandchildren: David Allard (Nikki), Wade Allard (Ashton & Parker), Davis Allard, Travis Allard (Aly), Morgan Causey (Knovel & Asia), and Alexa Causey.
The family requests that remembrances are sent to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital or Cape Fear Hospice.
There will be a Memorial Service held at Wilmington Funeral Chapel at 2:00 pm on Thursday, May 30, 2019. In recognition of John’s honorable and faithful service to his country there will be a Rendering of Military Honors by the United States Navy.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and good thoughts during John’s illness.
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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.
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