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Leroy Benson, 78, of Mocksville, departed this life Monday, Aug. 1, 2022.

He was born Nov. 26, 1943 in Forsyth County to the late John Henry and Rebecca Conner Benson. Leroy attended Anderson High School, where he was an avid football fan and player. He enjoyed sports, participating also on a family baseball team. Leroy met his first wife, Cheri Crump, as a young man. With pride, his father gifted him a ‘55 Ford, with the objective of using this resource to carry workers back and forth to RJ Reynolds. Leroy aspired to do more and secured his first “real job” at Florentine Corp. He later became an entrepreneur, opening Benson’s Grill on Cherry Street. Leroy flourished as a businessman, setting a strong example for his peers. Being the energetic and success driven person that he was, Leroy began working at Douglas Battery, where he was a dedicated employee for 22 years. In 1971, Leroy married Annie L. Hunter. The two later moved to Mocksville (her hometown) establishing Mocksville as their home. The couple worked together at Douglas Battery and opened another venue, “J’s Castle” in Farmington. Leroy was a dedicated husband, brother, father, cousin, grandfather and friend.  He was everyone’s favorite uncle. Leroy took pride in setting the tone for a dress style worth emulating by others.  Truly he set the example. With passion he kept his cars immaculate and found joy in customization. Leroy had an avid love for riding motorcycles and sharing light-hearted intent with others. One of his favorite savings was, “Let’s see who can tell the best lies.” Leroy loved the Lord and sported the reputation of being the first one at church each Sunday.

Our beloved was preceded in death by: his parents; his wives, Annie H. Benson and Cheri Benson; sister, Mary Jordan; brother, Edwin Benson; grandson, Chaz Benson; 8 brothers-in-law; and a devoted caregiver, Celeste Long.

He leaves to cherish his memory: daughters, Tangela Benson Culpepper, Shanika Shevone Dalton; sons, Stephon Hedrick (Kim), Leslie Benson; sisters, Margretta Key, Alice Lindsay, Roxie Burns (Carl) and Queen Withee (Al); brothers, John Benson and George Benson (Sharon); 5 sisters-in-law; 5 brothers-in-law; aunt, Naomi Thomas; beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Leland Culpepper, Desmond Benson-Goss, Jy’Quarius Terrelle Dalton, Jy’Curtis Lamontae Dalton, Shantilla Hedrick, Shantay Hedrick, Stephon Hedrick Jr. Tamia Hedrick, Maya Benson, Dominique Benson, Johnathan Wiseman, and Deante Benson, “Lil” Chaz Benson; devoted friend, Grady Jackson; Hazel Dillard (devoted sister-in law); and devoted caregivers Kay Gaither and Cedric Colvin.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 7 at Mainville AME Zion Church. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.The service is available to view on the Lambert Funeral Home website.

Condolences: www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com.