Joseph Miller Benson, Jr

Joseph Benson, 76 was born in Charleston, West Virginia July 13, 1944 to Tillie and Joseph Benson, Sr. He went home to be with the Lord on April 18, 2021. He grew up in Madeira Beach and Pensacola, Florida. He attended Marion Military Institute in Alabama for his first two years of college. He attended Louisiana State University for one year and finished earning his Bachelor of Science degree at Troy State University. He and his beloved wife, Peggy were married in 1978. His working career spanned a number of different occupations but primarily teaching science for 25 years. He retired in 2007 but continued to work part time at various jobs. He loved to fish, play golf and grow vegetables in his garden. Joe was a warm, loving, positive and humble man. He was someone that you just could not help but like. He tenderly cared for two elderly aunts for over 10 years as their guardian. He encouraged his wife to pursue a career in ministry and was willing to pull up stakes and move wherever the church sent her. The last five years of his life he struggled with many health issues and frequent hospitalizations. Yet, still, he remained positive. His favorite Bible passage was Proverbs 3:5-6; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” Joe was an inspiration to many people. His passing leaves a huge hole in the lives of his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Peggy; his son Michael Benson; his daughter Donna and her husband Joseph Conover; his grandson Evan Smith and his former wife, his son’s mother, Sarah Benson. A celebration of life will be held at Carlson Memorial United Methodist church, 310 Campbell Street, LaBelle, FL Tuesday, April 27 at 11:00 a.m. Officiant Rev. Bill Maddox, pastor of First Christian Church. A luncheon will be served in the Fellowship hall following the service to share remembrances, In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to Carlson Memorial and/or First Christian Church of LaBelle; and/or First United Methodist Church of Immokalee.