A. L. BENEFIELD Jr.
A. L. Benefield, Jr. of Ozark, died in his home Tuesday morning, October 20, 2009, following an extended illness. He was 88. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church of Ozark with Rev. Dr. Christian Eckert and Rev. Dr. Jason Thrower officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens with full Masonic Rites, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. He will lie in repose at the Church one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Mr. Benefield's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The John Wesley Sunday School Class and the Wire-grass Chapter of the American Ex-POW's Organization will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening. Born December 24, 1920 to the late Mittie Ardella Dossett Benefield and Alter Levi Benefield in Ozark. Mr. Benefield attended Flowers Elementary School and Dale County Junior High school. Following his graduation from Dale County High School in 1938, Mr. Benefield was employed by Western Union and served as a part-time clerk with the United States Post Office. Mr. Benefield enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1942, completed his flight training at Avon Park, FL, and was commissioned a 2Lt on October 1, 1943. He honorably served his country during World War II in the European theater flying B-17 bombers from Great Ashfield Air Field, England with the Eighth Air Force 385th Bomb Group (Heavy). His plane was shot down over Mersberg, Germany on July 29, 1944, and he was a prisoner of war from July 29, 1944 until April 26, 1945 when he was liberated from Stalag Luft 3 in Moosburg, Germany by General Patton's 3rd Army. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the European Theater Ribbon with three battle stars. Following his honorable discharge from the United States Army Air Corp, he returned to his hometown and resumed his career as a clerk with the United States Post Office. He served as the Superintendent of the Mail at Fort Rucker and returned to the Ozark office as Assistant Postmaster. He retired from the United States Post Office in 1979 after 39 years of service. Mr. Benefield continued his service to his country by serving in the United States Air Force Reserve, retiring at the rank of Lieut. Colonel. Mr. Bene-field was a life member and Past Commander of the Wiregrass Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War. For many years Mr. Benefield and his wife enjoyed traveling around the United States and Europe to attend Eighth Air Force, 385th Bomber Group, and POW reunions. Mr. Bene-field was a Master Mason, Ozark Lodge 349, for over 64 years. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Dothan Temple. Mr. Benefield was a life member of the First United Methodist Church of Ozark where he served as Chairman of the Administrative Board, Superintendent of the Sunday Schools, and Church Secretary for a number of years. He was Superintendent in the Junior Department for over thirty years. He was a charter member and frequent teacher of the John Wesley Sunday School class. Mr. Benefield was an active parent and frequent leader in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, helping his four sons earn the Eagle Scout Award. Mr. Benefield is pre-deceased in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty Jane Ward Benefield; his parents, and his brother Paul Benefield of Winslow, Arizona. He is survived by his sons, R. Alan Benefield, of Ozark, Barry P. Benefield of Panama City, FL, David W. Benefield (Belinda) of Ozark and Steven A. Benefield (Catherine) of Birmingham; grandchildren, John Alan Benefield (Greta) of Auburn, Adam Benefield (Katie) of Greensboro, Brandon Benefield and Jackson Benefield of Tuscaloosa, Lisette & Parker Benefield of Ozark, Joy and Stewart Benefield of Birmingham; great-grandchildren John Asheton Benefield, Aidan Benefield, and Ethan Benefield; brother Charles W. Benefield of Atlanta, GA. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to his loving care-takers: Joyce Whitebread, Nina Kinsey, Josephine Gilley, Kim Brown, Donna Mays, and Linda Beacham. Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Ozark, 167 East Broad Street, Ozark, AL 36360 or the Boy Scouts of America, Alabama-Florida Council, 6801 West Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark, (334) 774-5348, is in charge of arrangements.
Published in Dothan Eagle on October 21, 2009
A. L. Benefield, Jr. of Ozark, died in his home Tuesday morning, October 20, 2009, following an extended illness. He was 88. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church of Ozark with Rev. Dr. Christian Eckert and Rev. Dr. Jason Thrower officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens with full Masonic Rites, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. He will lie in repose at the Church one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Mr. Benefield's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The John Wesley Sunday School Class and the Wire-grass Chapter of the American Ex-POW's Organization will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening. Born December 24, 1920 to the late Mittie Ardella Dossett Benefield and Alter Levi Benefield in Ozark. Mr. Benefield attended Flowers Elementary School and Dale County Junior High school. Following his graduation from Dale County High School in 1938, Mr. Benefield was employed by Western Union and served as a part-time clerk with the United States Post Office. Mr. Benefield enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1942, completed his flight training at Avon Park, FL, and was commissioned a 2Lt on October 1, 1943. He honorably served his country during World War II in the European theater flying B-17 bombers from Great Ashfield Air Field, England with the Eighth Air Force 385th Bomb Group (Heavy). His plane was shot down over Mersberg, Germany on July 29, 1944, and he was a prisoner of war from July 29, 1944 until April 26, 1945 when he was liberated from Stalag Luft 3 in Moosburg, Germany by General Patton's 3rd Army. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the European Theater Ribbon with three battle stars. Following his honorable discharge from the United States Army Air Corp, he returned to his hometown and resumed his career as a clerk with the United States Post Office. He served as the Superintendent of the Mail at Fort Rucker and returned to the Ozark office as Assistant Postmaster. He retired from the United States Post Office in 1979 after 39 years of service. Mr. Benefield continued his service to his country by serving in the United States Air Force Reserve, retiring at the rank of Lieut. Colonel. Mr. Bene-field was a life member and Past Commander of the Wiregrass Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War. For many years Mr. Benefield and his wife enjoyed traveling around the United States and Europe to attend Eighth Air Force, 385th Bomber Group, and POW reunions. Mr. Bene-field was a Master Mason, Ozark Lodge 349, for over 64 years. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Dothan Temple. Mr. Benefield was a life member of the First United Methodist Church of Ozark where he served as Chairman of the Administrative Board, Superintendent of the Sunday Schools, and Church Secretary for a number of years. He was Superintendent in the Junior Department for over thirty years. He was a charter member and frequent teacher of the John Wesley Sunday School class. Mr. Benefield was an active parent and frequent leader in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, helping his four sons earn the Eagle Scout Award. Mr. Benefield is pre-deceased in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty Jane Ward Benefield; his parents, and his brother Paul Benefield of Winslow, Arizona. He is survived by his sons, R. Alan Benefield, of Ozark, Barry P. Benefield of Panama City, FL, David W. Benefield (Belinda) of Ozark and Steven A. Benefield (Catherine) of Birmingham; grandchildren, John Alan Benefield (Greta) of Auburn, Adam Benefield (Katie) of Greensboro, Brandon Benefield and Jackson Benefield of Tuscaloosa, Lisette & Parker Benefield of Ozark, Joy and Stewart Benefield of Birmingham; great-grandchildren John Asheton Benefield, Aidan Benefield, and Ethan Benefield; brother Charles W. Benefield of Atlanta, GA. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to his loving care-takers: Joyce Whitebread, Nina Kinsey, Josephine Gilley, Kim Brown, Donna Mays, and Linda Beacham. Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Ozark, 167 East Broad Street, Ozark, AL 36360 or the Boy Scouts of America, Alabama-Florida Council, 6801 West Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark, (334) 774-5348, is in charge of arrangements.
Published in Dothan Eagle on October 21, 2009
A. L. BENEFIELD Jr.
A. L. Benefield, Jr. of Ozark, died in his home Tuesday morning, October 20, 2009, following an extended illness. He was 88. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church of Ozark with Rev. Dr. Christian Eckert and Rev. Dr. Jason Thrower officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens with full Masonic Rites, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. He will lie in repose at the Church one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Mr. Benefield's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The John Wesley Sunday School Class and the Wire-grass Chapter of the American Ex-POW's Organization will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening. Born December 24, 1920 to the late Mittie Ardella Dossett Benefield and Alter Levi Benefield in Ozark. Mr. Benefield attended Flowers Elementary School and Dale County Junior High school. Following his graduation from Dale County High School in 1938, Mr. Benefield was employed by Western Union and served as a part-time clerk with the United States Post Office. Mr. Benefield enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1942, completed his flight training at Avon Park, FL, and was commissioned a 2Lt on October 1, 1943. He honorably served his country during World War II in the European theater flying B-17 bombers from Great Ashfield Air Field, England with the Eighth Air Force 385th Bomb Group (Heavy). His plane was shot down over Mersberg, Germany on July 29, 1944, and he was a prisoner of war from July 29, 1944 until April 26, 1945 when he was liberated from Stalag Luft 3 in Moosburg, Germany by General Patton's 3rd Army. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the European Theater Ribbon with three battle stars. Following his honorable discharge from the United States Army Air Corp, he returned to his hometown and resumed his career as a clerk with the United States Post Office. He served as the Superintendent of the Mail at Fort Rucker and returned to the Ozark office as Assistant Postmaster. He retired from the United States Post Office in 1979 after 39 years of service. Mr. Benefield continued his service to his country by serving in the United States Air Force Reserve, retiring at the rank of Lieut. Colonel. Mr. Bene-field was a life member and Past Commander of the Wiregrass Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War. For many years Mr. Benefield and his wife enjoyed traveling around the United States and Europe to attend Eighth Air Force, 385th Bomber Group, and POW reunions. Mr. Bene-field was a Master Mason, Ozark Lodge 349, for over 64 years. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Dothan Temple. Mr. Benefield was a life member of the First United Methodist Church of Ozark where he served as Chairman of the Administrative Board, Superintendent of the Sunday Schools, and Church Secretary for a number of years. He was Superintendent in the Junior Department for over thirty years. He was a charter member and frequent teacher of the John Wesley Sunday School class. Mr. Benefield was an active parent and frequent leader in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, helping his four sons earn the Eagle Scout Award. Mr. Benefield is pre-deceased in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty Jane Ward Benefield; his parents, and his brother Paul Benefield of Winslow, Arizona. He is survived by his sons, R. Alan Benefield, of Ozark, Barry P. Benefield of Panama City, FL, David W. Benefield (Belinda) of Ozark and Steven A. Benefield (Catherine) of Birmingham; grandchildren, John Alan Benefield (Greta) of Auburn, Adam Benefield (Katie) of Greensboro, Brandon Benefield and Jackson Benefield of Tuscaloosa, Lisette & Parker Benefield of Ozark, Joy and Stewart Benefield of Birmingham; great-grandchildren John Asheton Benefield, Aidan Benefield, and Ethan Benefield; brother Charles W. Benefield of Atlanta, GA. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to his loving care-takers: Joyce Whitebread, Nina Kinsey, Josephine Gilley, Kim Brown, Donna Mays, and Linda Beacham. Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Ozark, 167 East Broad Street, Ozark, AL 36360 or the Boy Scouts of America, Alabama-Florida Council, 6801 West Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark, (334) 774-5348, is in charge of arrangements.
Published in Dothan Eagle on October 21, 2009
A. L. Benefield, Jr. of Ozark, died in his home Tuesday morning, October 20, 2009, following an extended illness. He was 88. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church of Ozark with Rev. Dr. Christian Eckert and Rev. Dr. Jason Thrower officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens with full Masonic Rites, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. He will lie in repose at the Church one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Mr. Benefield's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The John Wesley Sunday School Class and the Wire-grass Chapter of the American Ex-POW's Organization will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening. Born December 24, 1920 to the late Mittie Ardella Dossett Benefield and Alter Levi Benefield in Ozark. Mr. Benefield attended Flowers Elementary School and Dale County Junior High school. Following his graduation from Dale County High School in 1938, Mr. Benefield was employed by Western Union and served as a part-time clerk with the United States Post Office. Mr. Benefield enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1942, completed his flight training at Avon Park, FL, and was commissioned a 2Lt on October 1, 1943. He honorably served his country during World War II in the European theater flying B-17 bombers from Great Ashfield Air Field, England with the Eighth Air Force 385th Bomb Group (Heavy). His plane was shot down over Mersberg, Germany on July 29, 1944, and he was a prisoner of war from July 29, 1944 until April 26, 1945 when he was liberated from Stalag Luft 3 in Moosburg, Germany by General Patton's 3rd Army. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the European Theater Ribbon with three battle stars. Following his honorable discharge from the United States Army Air Corp, he returned to his hometown and resumed his career as a clerk with the United States Post Office. He served as the Superintendent of the Mail at Fort Rucker and returned to the Ozark office as Assistant Postmaster. He retired from the United States Post Office in 1979 after 39 years of service. Mr. Benefield continued his service to his country by serving in the United States Air Force Reserve, retiring at the rank of Lieut. Colonel. Mr. Bene-field was a life member and Past Commander of the Wiregrass Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War. For many years Mr. Benefield and his wife enjoyed traveling around the United States and Europe to attend Eighth Air Force, 385th Bomber Group, and POW reunions. Mr. Bene-field was a Master Mason, Ozark Lodge 349, for over 64 years. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Dothan Temple. Mr. Benefield was a life member of the First United Methodist Church of Ozark where he served as Chairman of the Administrative Board, Superintendent of the Sunday Schools, and Church Secretary for a number of years. He was Superintendent in the Junior Department for over thirty years. He was a charter member and frequent teacher of the John Wesley Sunday School class. Mr. Benefield was an active parent and frequent leader in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, helping his four sons earn the Eagle Scout Award. Mr. Benefield is pre-deceased in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty Jane Ward Benefield; his parents, and his brother Paul Benefield of Winslow, Arizona. He is survived by his sons, R. Alan Benefield, of Ozark, Barry P. Benefield of Panama City, FL, David W. Benefield (Belinda) of Ozark and Steven A. Benefield (Catherine) of Birmingham; grandchildren, John Alan Benefield (Greta) of Auburn, Adam Benefield (Katie) of Greensboro, Brandon Benefield and Jackson Benefield of Tuscaloosa, Lisette & Parker Benefield of Ozark, Joy and Stewart Benefield of Birmingham; great-grandchildren John Asheton Benefield, Aidan Benefield, and Ethan Benefield; brother Charles W. Benefield of Atlanta, GA. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to his loving care-takers: Joyce Whitebread, Nina Kinsey, Josephine Gilley, Kim Brown, Donna Mays, and Linda Beacham. Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Ozark, 167 East Broad Street, Ozark, AL 36360 or the Boy Scouts of America, Alabama-Florida Council, 6801 West Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark, (334) 774-5348, is in charge of arrangements.
Published in Dothan Eagle on October 21, 2009
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