Thomas "Tommy" Benfield

Thomas "Tommy" Benfield, 52, of Morganton, NC passed away Thursday, April 17, 2014 after a long battle with cancer. Born in Burke County, NC on April 6, 1962, he was the son of Marie Saulman Craig of Morganton and the late Martin J.B. "Cooter" Benfield. Tommy attended Zion Baptist Church in his youth. He worked at Great Lakes Carbon for over thirteen years until he became disabled. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and turtle hooking.Tommy is survived by his wife of 32 years, Tammy Beck Benfield of the home; sons, Ryan Benfield and his wife, Brandy, of Glen Alpine, NC and Cody Benfield of the home; a grandson, Dylan Benfield; a brother, Tony "Rack" Benfield of Morganton; a sister, Shelby Price and her husband, Kevin, of Morganton; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.In addition to his father, Tommy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cleve and Clara Benfield and Albert and Frances Saulman.The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 21, 2014 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center with the Rev. Mark Myers officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with expenses.The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Catawba Regional Hospice for their kindness, caring, and devotion during this difficult time.