Joe Wayne Benson, Sr., age 88, Spruce Pine passed away July 29 at his residence.

He was a lifelong resident of Franklin County and a member of North Highlands Church of Christ. Mr. Benson served in the Army and is a veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of VFW and American Legion and retired from Reynolds Metals.

The funeral service will be August 1, 3 p.m. Pinkard Funeral Home, Russellville with Keith Barnett and Trae Durden officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service from 1 p.m. until time of service. Burial will follow in Franklin Memory Gardens.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Vaughn Benson, Spruce Pine; sons, Joe Wayne Benson, Jr. and wife, Kathy, Littleville, Derek Vance Benson, Belgreen; grandchildren, Jason Benson and wife, Kelli, Muscle Shoals, Jess Benson and wife, Beth, Florence, Jody Benson and wife, Julie, Corinth, Mississippi; great-grandchildren, Peyton and Sydney Benson, Will and Jacob Benson, Jincy and Jase Benson; siblings, Billy Benson and wife, Ruth, and Dayton Benson.

Pallbearers will be Jason Benson, Jess Benson, Jody Benson, Ronald Benson, Donald Ezzell and Mike Madden. Honorary bearers are Floyd Tirey, Calvin Parmer and Bobby Vaughn.

He was preceded in death by parents, Joe W. and Vera Ezzell Benson; sister-in-law, Lorene Benson.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Lads to Leader and Leadrettes at North Highlands Church of Christ.

Thanks to Gentiva Home Health and Hospice.