Robert David Benbow

March 20, 1954 - July 31, 2011
Robert David Benbow


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Robert David Benbow, of Rocky Point passed away Sunday, July 31, 2011.

Robert David Benbow, 57 years old was born in Mount Olive N.C. March 20, 1954 to Julianne Summerlin Benbow & James Edgar Benbow. Grandparents Robert & Billie Summerlin of Mount Olive and Carolina Beach, N.C.

Surviving Wife – Bonnie Susan Shaver Benbow Son- Robert Dylan Benbow (27 yrs) Daughters – Suzanna Ashley Benbow Coffey (26yrs) & Sarah Julianne Benbow (16yrs) and a Grandson Ethan Scott Coffey (4yrs) Sister s– Pat Norris of Carolina Beach, Martha & Carla of Winston Salem Brothers- Mike & Greg of Carolina Beach, William Pace of Houston Texas and William Benbow of Wilmington.

David grew up at Carolina Beach working on the board walk as a child then becoming a life guard and working at his family’s bar The Sliver Dollar, ran by his Mother and Grandmother. He left school at Southern Wayne High School and joined the Navy- where he was a weather forecaster in Charleston. After getting out of Navy his mother passed away, he then met his wife Susan at Carolina Beach and married in August 11, 1979. They have 3 beautiful children; Dylan, Sarah, Suzanne and one grandson Ethan.

David was a lover of the ocean and saw freedom in the waves. He enjoyed surfing, and always loved the beach. He was an avid Carolina Tarheel fan which he passed on to the entire family. “A true Tarheel thru & thru” He loved building houses and was one of the best. He will be greatly missed by his children, wife & family. Their 32nd Wedding Anniversary would have been on August 11, 2011.

A memorial service will be held 1pm Friday, August 5, 2011 at the Gazebo on the Boardwalk at Carolina Beach.

He is indeed our Guardian Angel.

Poem by the youngest;

‘What do you do when you just want to cry?

What do you do when every smile becomes a lie?

What do you do knowing he won’t be there?

I’m only 16 & my heart is cold and bare

What do I do when my hands start to shake?

When my heart starts to yearn for that smile on his face’

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guets Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S, 41st Street, Wilmington,NC 28403
910.791.9099


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  • August 04, 2011
    Sandra Butler says:
    Susan, words cannot express what I know you and the children must be feeling. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Even though I haven't been "offically" a part of the family for awhile..I still love all of you. I loved David, he was such a wonderful person and I know he will be missed. Sandy

  • August 04, 2011
    William & Terri Benbow says:
    May the lord jesus christ be with you and comfort you during this time.

  • August 04, 2011
    joyce sparks says:
    dearest susan, dylan, susannah, sarah and little ethan - i am thinking of each of you every day, lifting you up and sending love and light your way. much love and peace to each of you... joyce

  • August 05, 2011
    Steve Lancaster says:
    Susan and family I just received an email from my sister that lives in Wilmington about David. I am very sorry about David and pray that you and your family lean on God to carry you through this difficult time. I am not sure if you will remember me, (Steve and Vicki Lancaster) David and I were good friends during our teen age years in Mt. Olive and at the beach. Sadly I have lost contact with all my childhood friends, with David being one that I have truly missed. I live in Texas but work in Canada, so I do not get back to North Caroline very often to see family or friends. This makes it even more difficult to know that I miss getting to know old friends and their families. I know one day we will all meet again. Please tell David’s children and family that David and I had a lot of good times together, he was a good friend and I will cherish theses memories and pray that you will do the same. Steve

  • August 05, 2011
    Carrie Lynn Blackwell says:
    Dear Susie and the entire Benbow Family, I can't tell you how sad I am at the loss of David. We met when I was 18 in 1972 at CB. He was absolutely one of the sweetest people I have ever met. His laugh was contagious. All of us Blackwell's thought so much of him. I know you are devestated, but I pray you can find some measure of comfort in knowing there are so many that are holding him and his family in our hearts and prayers. he was so loved by so many. So sorry I couldn't be there for his memorial. I will be keeping all of you in my prayers and praying he is now resting peacefully in our heavenly Father's arms.