Howard Ray Benfield

Howard Ray Benfield, 85, of 1209 1/2 Claiborne Street, Johnson City, died Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at the Four Oaks Health Care Center in Jonesborough. He was native of Unicoi County, son of the late Everett and Lily Garland Benfield. Mr. Benfield was retired truck driver for the Smith Freightlines Company, also formerly for Robinson Trucklines. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the European Theatre with the U. S. Army and was a member of the Tacoma Church of God. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Arwood Benfield and a great great granddaughter, Emily Whitson. Survivors include: a daughter, Lorraine Franklin of Jonesborough and her husband Luther; five grandchildren, Kim Whiston of Jonesborough, Andy Franklin and Cherie Jones both of Johnson City, Todd (& wife Patsy) Franklin of Jonesborough and Lori (& husband Jeff) Whitson of Gray; nine great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. A funeral is scheduled for Friday, August 18, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in the South Chapel of the Morris - Baker Funeral Home under the direction of Rev. Bill Konstantopoulos and Rev. Wayne Absher. Burial is to follow in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m.. Pallbearers will be: grandsons and Ernest Jackson and George Harrison.