Mr. Willie Marion Benjamin entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 6, 2012 at the Pines Nursing Home in Dillon, South Carolina after an extended illness. Funeral services will be at 11:00am Thursday July 12, 2012 at New Covenant Free Rock Church in Christ located in Clio, South Carolina. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.The family will receive friends at 1709 Germantown Place in Dillon, South Carolina .

The Obituary

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that day.

II Timothy 4:7-8

Mr. Willie (Alphonso) Benjamin born to the late Fred and Bertha Haynes Benjamin, August 1, 1927 in Calhoun County, S.C. and departed this earthly life Friday July 6, 2012 in the Pines Nursing Home of Dillon, S.C He was educated in the public schools of Calhoun County, the family relocated to Little Rock where he met and married Mrs. Estelle Jukes Benjamin and with this beautiful union, they were blessed with seventeen children. One who preceded him in death, Mae Bertha Calvy. Mr. Alphonso as he was affectionately known as was fun loving, a proud man, fast runner, carpenter, auto mechanic, farmer, truck driver, jack of all trades, and a dynamic singer. He was a great lover of the gospel, singing with various groups allowed him to be the founder of the original Royal Lights of Dillon, S.C. While singing with the groups he became a recording artist. Willie loved his family, took pride in raising live stock, growing vegetable gardens, and teaching his children hard work. They were numerous, but never hungry and their needs met! He was affiliated with New Covenant Ministries.

He leaves to cherish many fond memories his wife Estelle Benjamin of Dillon, S.C.; six devoted daughters: Ruth Ann Pugh, Estelle (William) Bethea, Isabelle Benjamin, Evangelist Mary (Daniel) Manning, Brenda Goode, and Nancy Pittman all of Dillon, S.C.; Eleven Devoted sons: Preston (Rose) Benjamin, Herbert Benjamin, Alphonso (Brenda) Benjamin, Daniel Benjamin, Anthony (Sylvia) Benjamin,  all of Dillon, S.C.,Freddie (Dee) Benjamin, Dennis Benjamin, both of Latta, S.C., Clarence (Jackie) Benjamin of Wadesboro, N.C. Leroy (Lois) Benjamin of Philadelphia, Pa., Willie (Lena) Benjamin and Ricky (Brandy) Benjamin of Marion, S.C. Three sisters: Thelma Ruby, Isabelle Benjamin and Mary (Wilmar) Cain, all of St. George, S.C. fifty four grandchildren, seventy or more great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest. Psalm 55:6

Good Night! Family and Friends