Willard Henry Benefield, beloved resident of Mobile, Alabama, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 21, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on December 24, 1930, in Fort Payne, Alabama, Willard was dedicated to his family, friends, and community throughout his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lee Virgil and Irene Mitchell Benefield, his brother Charles Benefield, and his wife of 62 years, Mary Redfern Goodman Benefield. Willard and Mary are now reunited, just as they had pledged, meeting at the East Gate of Heaven.
Willard's legacy of love, compassion, and faith lives on through his daughters Melanie Benefield, Susan Theobald (John), and June Lauffenberger (Robert); his seven grandchildren: Jared Benefield, Jordan Garcia, Benjamin Theobald, Valerie Theobald, Avalee Theobald, Kaitlyn Whitley (Kipper), Kyle Lauffenberger; and his three great-grandchildren: Declan Morgans, Nolan Garcia, and Lena Garcia. He will also be remembered by numerous friends for his warmth, humor, and generosity.
Willard served his country honorably for over 15 years in the Army Air Guard and Air National Guard, receiving the Korean War Medal with two Bronze Stars. His military service included time in Korea, and service during the Bay of Pigs, and deployment to France during the Berlin Blockade. Following his military career, he worked as a sheet metal mechanic and held an A&P License, spending over 20 years at Eastern Airlines in Atlanta, and finishing his career at ST Mobile Aerospace Engineering at nearly 82 years old.
Known for his mechanical ability, Willard was always willing to lend a hand to family, friends, and neighbors. His faith in Jesus Christ was central to his life, and he was active in church ministry wherever he lived. While in Mableton, Georgia, he was an ordained Deacon at Austell First Baptist Church. He also ministered through music, serving in many church choirs. He was an active member of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama. Willard's witty, charming, and servant-hearted nature inspired those around him, and his commitment to living out Christian values was evident to all who knew him.
In honor of Willard's memory, let us strive to love one another, show grace and mercy, and, most importantly, accept Christ as Lord and Savior.
Services: A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Mobile Memorial Gardens (6040 Three Notch Rd, Mobile, AL). Visitation with Family and a memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Fellowship Baptist Church (445 Azalea Rd, Mobile, AL). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in his honor.
December 24, 1930 — October 21, 2024
Interment will be at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery 6100 Three Notch Rd. Mobile, AL 36619
