Alexander Oliver Benbow began his life of service on Monday, August 24, 1914 in Davidson County, NC. The eldest of Nathaniel and Mattie Oliver Benbow’s five children, he attended the public schools of Winston-Salem, NC before going to work at R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. He later joined Graybar Electric Supply Company in Winston-Salem, NC, where he achieved the rank of warehouse superintendent before he retired after 31 years of service.
An active bowler and golfer, Oliver Benbow was passionate about living life to the fullest. Nowhere was that passion and service more evident than in his church. He gave his life to Christ at an early age at Goodwill Baptist Church in Davidson County. He met his future wife, Pauline Lyons, at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church; they married there in 1938 and enjoyed 65 years of married life together. Faithful beyond measure for more than six decades, Oliver Benbow’s church service was rendered in multiple arenas; as co-chair of the board of deacons, as a trustee, as chairman of the finance committee, as president of the senior choir, as the church’s first Scoutmaster of its Boy Scout troop and so much more. Mount Pleasant, in turn, recognized him for his bountiful service, naming him its “Senior Man of the Year” in 2002.
Second only to his devotion to his church was Oliver Benbow’s commitment to community. He was a faithful member of Bivouac Lodge #503, PH; King Solomon Consistory #64, PHA; and Sethos Temple #170, A.E.A.O.N. M.S., PHA. He was a “frequent traveler” as a member of the Retired Men’s Club.
Having rendered service for 92 years, Oliver Benbow claimed his heavenly reward on Saturday, September 23, 2006 at the Winston-Salem Rehabilitation and Health Center in Winston-Salem, NC.
Preceding his in death, in addition to his parents and wife, were his brother, Gilmer Benbow and his sisters, Pauline Benbow Samuel and Gila Benbow Johnson.
Surviving him to appreciate his life of service are his daughter, Olivet Benbow Jones (William) of Chicago, Illinois; a son, Hoyt Johnson of Mount Vernon, New York; his sister, Dazelle Benbow Jones of Winston-Salem, NC; a sister-in-law, Willie Mae Benbow of Winston-Salem, NC; his nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. The legacy of love felt by his family, friends and admirers is immense.
A memorial services to celebrate his life is scheduled for Saturday, October 7, 2006 at 12:00 NOON at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. The family will receive visitors at 11:00 AM. Special tributes will commence at 11:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Oliver Benbow’s honor to either the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Building Fund, 795 Northwest Crawford Place, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 or the Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center, 231 Melrose Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.