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Memorial services were held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2019, at First Baptist Church Greenville for Gerald Wayne Benson Sr., 86, of Greenville, who passed away on Monday, March 25. The Rev. Chase Clower and Bro. Jerry Wilkerson officiated.

Gerald was born Aug. 4, 1932, and was a 1950 graduate of Georgiana High School. He earned degrees from Troy State University and Auburn University. He coached and taught in Chipley, Fla., Cottondale, Fla. and McKenzie.

Gerald was the principal of Greenville Middle School for 28 years until his retirement in 1993. He was a member of First Baptist Church Greenville where he was a longtime deacon and Sunday School superintendent. Gerald will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

His parents, Harold and Mary (Watkins) Benson, and one son, Gerald Wayne Benson Jr., preceded Gerald in death.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Frances Thigpen Benson; daughter, Leah (Tony) Stonicher; one son, Hal (Deedra) Benson; grandsons, Cory (Lauren) Latham, Benson Stonicher, Max Stonicher and Clay Benson; granddaughters, Savannah Stonicher, Grace Benson, Colby Benson and Ava Casey Benson and one great granddaughter, Isabella Latham.

Honorary pallbearers were Gene Allen, Jan Black, Tommy Gilbert, W.S. Godwin, Marvin Hartley, Kenny Horn, Butch Johnson, Don Lewis, Spencer Mixon, Percy Thompson and Jacob Trawick.

The family would like to say a special heartfelt thank you to Gerald’s sitters, Janice Robinson, Edna Simmons and Jacob Trawick. Special thanks to Southern Care Hospice Services.

Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church, 212 Fort Dale St., Greenville, AL. 36067.

Online condolences may be made at www.dunklinanddanielsfh.com