Tellis "Pap" Benfield

Tellis "Pap" Benfield, 99, of Benfield Landing Road, Nebo, NC, died Sunday, May 18, 2008 at the Burke Palliative Care Center in Valdese, NC following a brief illness. Born in Burke County, NC on October 8, 1908, he was the son of the late John Douglas Benfield and Jennie Alexander Benfield. Pap was a member of Snow Hill United Methodist Church and was owner of Benfield’s Boat Landing for over 60 years.He is survived by his daughter, Frances B. Leonard and husband, Charles, of Nebo and a son, Tellis E. Benfield and wife, Louise, of Morganton; three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.In addition to his parents, Pap was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen G. Benfield; his second wife, Dessie M. Benfield; brothers, John A. Benfield, Samuel M. Benfield, and Paul A. Benfield; and a sister, Julia N. Benfield.The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at Snow Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. Gary Leonard officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or the Snow Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 5425 Snow Hill Church Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.