| Gerald “Jerry” Dean Benfield, age 91, of Forest City died Sunday, May 25, 2014 at Hospice of Rutherford County.
Born February 11, 1923 in Alexander County, he was the son of the late Worth and Ollie White Benfield.
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by 5 brothers and 2 sisters.
Jerry worked for 39 years with the Metropolitan Washington Transit Authority, formerly the DC Transit, he retired from the Subway System and had served on the original committee responsible for the start-up of the trains. He began his career at age 17, when he fudged his age to join the Army; he served with General Patton and noted that Patton’s reputation of “Blood and Guts” fit him well. The strict regimen of the Army prepared him well for what was ahead as he battled at least three scrimmages in the front lines of World War II from 1942 to 1945. Serving as a Gunner, his combat tank would be hit and blown up by enemy fire; shrapnel remained in his left arm to this day from the attack. Suffering military career ending wounds, he was given an honorable discharge and received a Purple Heart in 1945. A few years later, while serving as a limo driver for the Washington DC Transit, Jerry would have another special duty. In 1963, he was selected to drive the limo transporting the Kennedy children to their fathers, JFK’s, funeral. He drove for John John, Caroline, their nurse, Mrs. Shaw, Mugzy, a Kennedy family friend and a Secret Service Agent.
Reflecting on his life he noted “I know my clock is ticking. It’s been a trip”.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, who he married in May 15, 1959, Joan Rollins Benfield; son Gerald R. Benfield (Kathy) of Ft. Walton Beach, Fl.; daughter Deborah Gail McDermott and husband (Eugene) of Moravia, MD; brother Archie Benfield and wife Vivian of Downers Grove, IL; 3 grandchildren Yvonne Kessel and husband Ken, Sean Benfield and wife Sheri, and Heidi Manley and husband Thomas; 8 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-granddaughters; sisters-in-law Cathy Benfield, Mary Nell Benfield, Iris Benfield and Diane Rollins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was a faithful member of High Shoal Baptist Church since retiring in Rutherford County in 2005.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at Harrelson Funeral Home Chapel with Reverends John Godfrey and Tom Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery with military honors provided by Rutherford County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at Harrelson Funeral Home.
The family wishes to offer its sincere gratitude to Matthew Rees, MD and staff, Helen Maddox, MD and staff, Hospice staff, Raina Crowder RN , Terry Williams, CNA and all of the staff at Hospice House for their compassionate and loving care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043, or High Shoal Baptist Church, PO Box 386, Henrietta, NC 28076.
Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.
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