WILLIAM BENJAMIN
William "Bill" Benjamin, 77, transitioned from this earth into eternal life on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017, at McLeod Health Clarendon Hospital, Manning.
Born April 16, 1940, in St. Charles (Lee County) to the late Lonnie Benjamin and Lucille Elizabeth Charles Benjamin. "Bill", as he was affectionately known, received his early childhood education in the public schools of Lee County. He was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School and honored as valedictorian of his class. He received certificates in public speaking and Master Electronic Technician, and retired in 1995 from Xerox Corporation, where he held the position of a senior customer service engineer.
In 1997, he received his Real Estate License from Central Carolina Technical College, Sumter. William was also an entrepreneur, he owned a small used car business, a TV service business and Ben's Handy Man's Service, where he worked until his health began to decline.
William was a lifelong member of Unionville A.M.E. Church, where he served as a steward/chaplain, past district lay president, church school teacher, Son of Allen, choir member, as well as the music ministry.
William was a Mason, Past Master Skyway Masonic Lodge #461, Prince Hall Affiliate, a Shriner, past state president, V.I.P. escort, a holder of the "Thirty Third" and Last Degree of Masonry P.H.A.
William was a veteran of the United States Army and received several medals. A member of Who's Who in the field of high technology, a member of the Commanders of Rites of the State of South Carolina, a member of the NAACP of Sumter County and Public Awareness Association, as well as the Council of Education.
He leaves to cherish his memories: a loving wife, Evangelist L. MacBeth Elizabeth Benjamin; one son, Garrett (Michelle) Benjamin of Snellville, Georgia; three daughters, Michelle (James) Rogers of Bishopville, Cynthia (Micheal) Okonkwo of Mableton, Georgia, Connie (Kristopher) Lester of Sumter; three stepsons, Randy (Laura) Howard of Trenton, Michigan, Clifton (Hamika) Howard of Jacksonville, Florida, Travis (Kimberley) Howard of Fort Mills; two brothers, James (Ella) Benjamin of Sumter, Lee (Renee) of Mayesville; three sisters, Minnie Wells of Jersey City, New Jersey, Shirley (Thomas) Benbow and Edna M. Benjamin, both of Mayesville; eight grandchildren; five step grandchildren; one brother-in-law; three sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 2899 Old Georgetown Road, Manning.
Homegoing services will be held at 2 p. m., Tuesday from the Unionville A.M.E. Church, 1330 Swimming Pen Road, Mayesville, with the Rev. Alvin E. Webb, pastor, eulogist.
The remains will be placed in the church at 1 p. m.
The funeral procession will leave from the home at 1:15 p.m.
Burial will be in the Unionville A.M.E. Churchyard Cemetery
Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the Web — www.WilliamsFuneralHomeInc.com.