Otto Lee Benton Jr., 81, of Lake City died Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at his home. He was born in Altha, Florida to the late Otto and Pearl "Williford" Benton. He served his country faithfully with the United States Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and retired as a Master Sergeant after 23 years. He then worked for the Florida Department of Corrections and retired after 22 years of service. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who loved and cared for his family.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Tommie Benton, sons, Tim (Pam) Benton and David (Kristine) Benton; daughter, Sandra (Iain) Benton; brothers, Tom (Betty) Watkins and Charles (Mary Ann) Watkins; sisters, Rena Chapin, Mildred (Bill) Montgomery, Thelma (Carlos) Cook and Mary Alice (A.L.) O'Bryan; grandchildren, Savannah & Joshua Benton and Kelli & Ricky McCormick.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2013 in the chapel of Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Eddie Blalock officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation was held Thursday evening April 18, 2013.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of the Nature Coast, 150 N. Main Street, High Springs, Florida 32643.
GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US Hwy 441, Lake City, Florida 32025, (386) 752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com