John Lloyd Benton, Sr., age 93, of Florence, passed away Monday, December 2, 2024. Visitation will be Friday, December 6^th from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at Williams Funeral Home of Florence. The service will follow at 12:00 pm in the funeral home chapel with Brother Tom Whatley officiating. Pallbearers will be Bobby Smith, Bobby Moomaw, Dawson Wills, Clay Wills, Chad Green and Mike Johnson. Burial will be at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens with full military honors accorded.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Susie Benton; son, John Lloyd Benton, Jr.; great-grandsons, Bryson Green and Wyatt Wills; brother, R.T. Benton, Jr.

Survivors are his loving wife of 73 ½ years, Martha Lou Benton; daughters, Susan Green (Roger) and Marilyn Davis (Tim); sister, Elizabeth Lazenby; grandchildren, Chad Green, Jamie Wills, and Tammie Haddock; great-grandson, Dawson Wills; great-granddaughter, Raynie Haddock. special nephew, Bobby Smith.

John was retired with Ford Motor Company with 23 years of service and was a lifetime member of Central Baptist Church of Florence. He was a 1949 graduate of Coffee High School where he played 4 years of football before graduating Florence State Teachers College, playing 1 year of football. He later officiated High School Football (AHSAA) for 17 years of service and most importantly was a U.S. Navy Veteran.

A special thanks to Amedisys Home Health, especially Stevie for their love and care and the 2^nd floor nurses station at NAMC Hospital.