Richard Benton was a retired Supervisory Special Agent from the Raleigh, NC, suboffice.

September 6, 1928 - NOV. 28, 2006

• GOLDSBORO -- Richard Paul Benton, 78, of 3200 Summit Road, died Tuesday at Pitt County Memorial Hospital.

  Mr. Benton was born in Wayne County to the late James Luby and Gladys Hinnant Benton. He was a Retired Investigator with the Office of Inspector General, US Department of Agriculture. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.

  Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1608 E. Pine Street in Goldsboro. The Reverends David Harvin and Glenn Everett will officiate. Burial will follow in Wayne Memorial Park with Masonic Rites.

  He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marie Fulghum Benton; daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Ernie Vinson of Goldsboro; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Pam Benton of Goldsboro; daughter and son-in-law, Xan and Scott Knopick of Fremont; grandchildren, Brittany and Brandon Vinson of Goldsboro, Layne, Skylar and Braeden Knopick of Fremont; brothers, Dr. Thomas Benton and wife, Barbara of Fredericksburg, VA, John Benton of Goldsboro; sisters, Faye Hudson, Rose Hansen, Betty Lou Robinson and husband, Larry, all of Goldsboro; sister-in-law, Virginia Benton of Goldsboro; numerous nieces and nephews.

  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Harold Benton.

  Mr. Benton was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church where he served over the years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, member of the Administrative Board, Head Usher, and other various committees. He was a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class and sang for several years with the Kingdom Heirs gospel quartet.

  He was a member of the Wayne Masonic Lodge @#112 A.F. & A.M., where he served as Master in 1974. He served as District Deputy Grand Master and was a Certified Lecturer. He served as Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter @#54 from 1980-81.

  He was a member of the Wayne Shrine Club where he served on various committees and the Board. He was a member of the Sudan Temple in New Bern and a member of the Scottish Rite in the Wilmington Consistory.

  He was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer for many years. He also was a multi-talented comedian, artist, singer and painter. His outgoing personality will be missed by all who knew him.

  The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home on Thursday and all other times at the home.

  Flowers are welcome but donations may be made to: the Shriners Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 490, New Bern, NC 28560 or to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1608 E. Pine Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.