Freddie Lewis Benson

Freddie Lewis Benson, age 77, passed away on July 30th, 2022, surrounded by his family at his home in Oak Island, North Carolina, after a long battle with cancer. At his request, there were no public funeral services but rather a small private graveside service.

He was born on August 18th, 1944, to Wade Benson and Gladys Benson of Benson, North Carolina. He met his wife and best friend, Betty Ann Benson, in 1965, and the pair were married in 1966. Two years later, the couple would welcome their first child, Lewis Benson, followed by their second child, Angela Rose. Freddie Benson retired from the Wake County Sheriff's Department, where he had loyally served for many years. He and his wife moved to Oak Island, North Carolina, where they spent their golden years together, making lasting memories on the beach with family.

Anyone who knew Freddie Benson knows he was a quick-witted jokester with a heart of gold. If he took a liking to you, friends and family would warn of the likelihood that you would end up on the receiving end of his wonderfully dry humor. On the other hand, if he didn't joke with you, you needn't take offense- he could be as reflective and pensive as he could humorous.

His grandchildren always told friends that "if Papa likes you, he'll tease you" before making an introduction. Whenever the end of a visit came and family members were ready to drive off, he uttered a phrase that became famous: "Ya'II be particular." As children and even into adulthood, our family has always found safety in our journeys home as we traveled under the blanket of that simple phrase.

To any who knew him, Freddie Benson was a down-home and simple man at heart who brought responsibility, loyalty, and intelligence to every interaction. Although he didn't love the formalities of life, he always met those challenges with class. His most beloved qualities were his sense of humor and infallible integrity in even the worst situations. He made everyone around him feel safe, protected, and seen for the essence of who they were.

Freddie Benson will forever be remembered as a country music lover, football fan, quick-witted jokester, loving and dedicated husband, and protective father and grandfather. He had a way of making even the darker times a little bit brighter, with his glowing smile and warm voice that made all who had the opportunity to cross his path feel a little lighter. He was the person you went to for life advice and direction because you knew he'd never steer you wrong. He was always honest above all (sometimes painfully so), and his opinion was always respected and admired by those who loved him.

Freddie Benson is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Betty Ann Benson, daughter Angela Rose, and five grandchildren: Hudson Benson, Renee Rose, Trevor Benson, Alex Rose, and Leah Rose. They will all be forever grateful for the impact he has made on their lives for the better! He was a unique, one of a kind who will be deeply missed but forever remembered ... until we meet again, rest easy. We love you!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital or SPCA.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Freddie Lewis Benson, please visit our floral store.