Don Eugene Benefield

Don Eugene Benefield, 81, of Columbus, GA passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at the Columbus Hospice House in Columbus GA.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon EST on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Vance Brooks Funeral Home with Dr. Jimmy Elder, Rev. Fred Evans, and Pastor Mike Randall officiating.  Interment will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens.  The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon EST prior to the service at the funeral home in Phenix City.

Mr. Benefield was born October 11, 1937 in Daleville, AL, son of the Late Ernest and Jewell Benefield.  He had worked for Fieldcrest Mills as a supervisor for 38 years of dedicated service and was retired.  He served in the United States Army National Guard representing both Guard Units in Alabama and Florida.  Don was a member of the YMCA and looked forward to opening the doors at the 14th St. location Monday through Friday.  The YMCA was Don’s home away from home and many of the people there were like his family.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Edith Maria Schroth Benefield, his daughter, Wanda Leavins, one brother, Max Benefield, and five sisters, Hazel Ivins, Jean Webster, Faye Beck, Gale McKinnon, and Mildred McCumbee.

Don’s biggest joy was his music ministry that he shared every chance that he got. Over the past 30 years he played once a month at the Valley Rescue Mission, nursing homes in Columbus and in Phenix City and the Blake Senior Living Community just to name a few.

He is survived by his sister, Jeanette Ballard of Connecticut, niece: Pam Vachon, nephew and best friend George Vachon (10) Grandchildren, (4) great grandchildren, one son, two stepsons, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was a member of Weems Road Freewill Baptist Church for 30+ years.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the Staff at Columbus Hospice.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Columbus Hospice and the Valley Rescue Mission both in Columbus, GA.