Mr. Lee Benefield, age 71, of Dahlonega, walked into his heavenly home on March 30, 2024. Lee is a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County who was born to the late Walter Benefield and Jimmie Ann Chandler. Standing at the pearly gates to welcome him home was his heavenly father, precious mother Jimmie Ann, loving grandparents Rev. Ed Grizzle and Bertha Grizzle, and sister Cathy Gilstrap. Lee lived a simple life with his loving wife of 40 years, Sherry Benefield. He was a man of very few words, but his words, when he used them, meant so much to so many. He was a devoted member of Concord Baptist Church and loved his church family dearly.
Lee was a proud member of the Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard. He retired from Heraeus Tenevo after 30 years, serving in dual roles as Production Manager and Safety Manager. He was the type of manager who garnered respect and love from those who worked with him. He also loved to spend time fishing with his special buddy, R.F. Wimpy and his family, especially those that called him “Honey” “Dad”, “Unkie” and “Pops”. He helped to catch many a first fish.
If you had the privilege to know Lee, you know that he was an avid fisherman and his favorite times were on the lake or traveling the world with his loving and devoted wife, Sherry, who frequently calls him the “catch of a lifetime.” He spent many a day fishing and talking to the Lord. We know he was at peace waking up on his first morning in Heaven spending Easter fishing the Jordan River with Jesus and all the loved ones who passed on before.
Lee is preceded in death by his mother and father, Jimmie Ann Chandler and Walter Benefield, his grandmother Bertha Grizzle, grandfather Rev. Ed Grizzle, and sister Cathy Gilstrap. Survived by the ones missing him most, his wife Sherry Benefield, son and daughter-in-law David and Shannon Benefield, honorary daughter and son-in-law Julianne and William Purnell, dear mother-in-law Ann Lee, father in law and mother-in-Law Buddy and Shirley Lee, Brother-in-Law Darnell Lee, grandchildren Alexandria Benefield, Sienna, Brooklyn, and Kaleb Purnell. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services to honor Lee’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 2,2024 at 4 p.m. at Concord Baptist Church in Dahlonega, GA. The Reverend Lyman Caldwell will officiate. Internment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Anderson Underwood Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 1:00 PM until the time of service.
In honor of Lee and In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Concord Baptist Church c/o Johnny Cantrell 537 Grindle Bridge Rd. Dahlonega, GA. 30533.
To share a memory or a condolence with the family, visit Mr. Benefield’s online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 U.S. 19 Business, Dahlonega, GA 30533
