Obituary of Robert Clyde Benton

Robert Clyde Benton, age 95, resident of Savannah, Georgia, died peacefully on December 25, 2017. Clyde was born on August 7, 1922, in Jackson, MS, to the parents of Robert and Letha (Burnham) Benton. He was married to Carol (Stitt) Benton in Jackson, MS, for 56 years. Both were members of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison, MS. Clyde is preceded in death by his wife, Carol, and his sisters Lila, Lola, MaryLee, and Emma Jo, and brother Hollis. He is survived by his daughter, Letha Benton Eller and her husband Mark and his two grandchildren, Ansley and Alexander Eller.

Clyde served our country in the United States Navy during World War II from 1942-1945, where he was assigned to the USS Salem. The Salem was a mine-layer who logged in more than 64,000 miles at sea, planting underwater mines in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific theaters. After the war, Clyde graduated from Mississippi College in 1949 and was employed by Sturgis High School and Morton High School as a teacher and coach. After receiving a master’s degree from Mississippi College in administration and counseling, he taught psychology and served as the Dean of Men at Hinds Junior College. He then accepted the position of Superintendent of the Mississippi School for the Blind where he served a total of 25 years. There, he received the Outstanding Mississippian Award. A proponent of high quality education and lifestyle for the blind, Clyde was also a member of the Jackson Central Lions Club.

Clyde spent the last six years in Savannah, Georgia, to be near his daughter and her family. He was a ray of sunshine to everyone he met and befriended. His kind, gentle nature, love for his Lord, and positive outlook on life was steadfast even through his final days.

A graveside service will be held at the Natchez Trace Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, Dec 30 at 2pm with visitation one hour prior at Natchez Trace Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mississippi Lions Club. Special thanks to the wonderful caretakers at John Wesley Villas in Savannah for their kindness and loving care the past five years.