II Timothy 4:6-7, For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

It was early Thursday morning, March 6, 2008 when Deacon Bright Benton, Jr. "Buddy," was summonsed from labor to reward. Bright was born to the Rev. Bright Benton, Sr. and Magnolia Green in Winston-Salem, NC August 28, 1931. He was a graduate of Atkins High School c/o 1950. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Bright was a retired employee of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company with 32 years of service. He worked in Research & Development.

Bright was a member of Bivouac Lodge #503, PHA, King Solomon Consistory #64 and Sethos Temple #170. He was a member of VFW Post #220. Bright was a faithful member of Macedonia TVPH Church where he served as a Deacon, former Chairman of the Trustee board, Finance Committee, and Adult Sunday School Class 1.

Bright was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and five sisters.

He leaves not to mourn, but cherish his memories, a loving and devoted wife, Earline S. Benton; three sons, Dedric (Denise) Benton, Michael Benton and Kevin (Pamilla) Benton all of Winston-Salem, NC; three daughters, Pamela C. Benton of the home, Vanessa Carson of Winston-Salem, NC, and Regina (Dan) Hayes of Rochester, NY; a brother, Elliot (Claudette) Benton of Winston-Salem, NC; a sister, Alleyne B. Lyndsey of Winston-Salem, NC; 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Lester (Juanita) Mason of Winston-Salem, NC; two sisters-in-law, Cynthia (Oscar) Dunlap and Pamela Mason of Winston-Salem, NC; and a host of other relatives, church family, and friends.

A homegoing celebration will be held at 12 Noon Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at Macedonia TVPH Church with Apostle S.D. Johnson, Pastor officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery with Masonic Rites. Family visitation will be held from 11 am until 12 Noon Wednesday at the church.