John Reid "Bud" Benfield

John Reid "Bud" Benfield, 88, of Spainhour Rd. in Morganton went to his heavenly home Sunday, April 26, 2009 to be with the Lord. John was a good husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved his family. He was a member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church. John served in World War II, and retired from Henredon with 27 years of service. He was a caring man who loved to work in his garden and flower beds. John was born on May 18, 1920 to the late John Manley Benfield and Fanny Mincey Benfield.He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Letha Elizabeth Whisnant Benfield; his daughter, Ann Peeler and her husband, Don, of Morganton; granddaughters, Donna Peeler, and Angie Ledford and her husband, Rod, all of Morganton; three great-grandsons whom he adored, Ben, Joe, and Luke Ledford; brothers, Thomas Benfield, Ned Benfield, and Bob Benfield; sisters, Fannie Whisnant and Doris Franklin; many nieces and nephews; and sister-in-laws, Muriel W. Smith, Faye W. McCoy, Vernie W. Chapman and husband, Don Chapman.In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by brothers, Paul, Melvin, Ralph "Bubba", and Ray Benfield; and a sister, Vivian Duckworth.Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at Oak Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Denton and Rev. David Orders officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234 ceremonial team. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oak Hill United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2239 NC 181, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.