Willard R. Benson

Clemson, SC

Willard Raymond Benson died on May 14, 2013 in Clemson, South Carolina. He was born on August 16, 1926 in Dover, New Jersey to Oscar W. and Harriet King Benson. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helene Antonia (Toni) Kraus Benson, sons Richard (Leslie) and Eric (Lisa), grandchildren Ted (Grace), Alex, Stephanie, James, Kenneth and Corey Benson, and Emily (Will) Martin, and 1 great-grandchild Lucy Martin. He was predeceased by his son, W. Todd (Tami) Benson, and his brother, Robert King Benson.

Willard lived most of his life in Dover, NJ, until retiring to Hilton Head, SC. He resided in Clemson, SC since 2007. He graduated from Dover High School in 1944, and received his Mechanical Engineering degree from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1949. He later earned a Master of Science in applied mechanics at the University of Virginia and a Master of Science in statistics at Stanford University. He enlisted in the Army in 1944, was selected for the Army Specialized Training Program, and received his Honorable Discharge in 1946.

In 1949, Willard and Toni married in Dover, NJ. Willard had a highly decorated career as a civilian engineer working for the Army, mostly at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover. As a research lab director, from 1960 to 1968 he was a pioneer in mathematical modeling and computer simulation. During his career, Willard received over 60 letters of commendation, with the most notable being a Secretary of the Army Research and Study Fellowship (1959), the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award (1965), and the Army Exceptional Civilian Service Award (1976), the highest honor that the Army bestows on a civilian.

As a resident of Dover, NJ, Willard did much to enhance his community as a long-time member and leader of the Dover Rotary Club, West Morris Boy Scout District, and Dover School Board. Willard Benson's family and friends mourn the passing of this brilliant, accomplished, kind and generous man. They wish to thank the many kind nurses and staff at the Sterling House, Clemson Downs Health Care Center, and Interim HealthCare Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2013, 3:00 p.m., at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central, South Carolina. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Interim HealthCare Hospice, 775 Spartan Blvd. Suite 101, Spartanburg, SC 29301-9957, or at www.interimhealthcarehospice.org. Please visit www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com/ for a complete obituary, and to sign the online guest register.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Greenville News on May 23, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Willard Benson

10 Entries

Lucille Flannagan

August 10, 2025

Happy birthday. You were the best boss I ever had. God Bless you
Lucy Flannagan

Paula Mizzoni-Bisceglia

May 10, 2019

Such a wonderful boss and friend. Was very kind to me since I met him in 1970. I will never forget how he allowed me to bring my baby son, now 37, to work at the Beacon Technology office. RIP dear friend. Miss you and your family

Tom Waldrop

May 23, 2013

To Eric - I know this is a difficult time for you and Lisa. When my mother passed away a few weeks ago, a friend shared something with me that helped so I want to pass that along to you. There were many things that your father did that helped to make you the good person that you are. Think about those things over the next few days and it will help you to better celebrate his life. My prayers are with you and your family.

May 23, 2013

With deep sympathy on Willard's passing.. Please know my thoughts are with you, Toni. Mom spoke of you both so kindly.
Barb Schwarz Egerton (Jean and Mark Schwarz' daughter)

Paula Mizzoni-Bisceglia

May 19, 2013

Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of one of the most brilliant and kindest man I had the honor of knowing personally and professionally. May his wonderful family find peace in knowing how much he was loved and respected. I will never forget him. RIP dear friend.

Anonymous

May 19, 2013

The life he lived is the definition of service; service to his country, his community, and his family. Another member of the greatest generation has passed. You will be missed but we are all much better off because of the life you lived.

Steve Richer

May 19, 2013

Willard was one of the pillars of the Dover community, touching the lives of many. He was a wonderful role model for his family and all of us who had the privilege to know him. My sympathy to his family and other friends. As his life is celebrated, may his memory sustain us all.

MacNaughten

May 19, 2013

Sending since condolences from the Mac Naughten Family

Lucille Rotondo Carey Flannagan

May 17, 2013

Willard was a fantastic boss. I really enjoyed working for and with him at Picatinny Arsenal.

Kathy McGee

May 17, 2013

My dear Toni, I am so sad for you all but know you are at peace. I tried to come by your home but think you are now in an apt. Will see you at the memorial for this wonderfully brilliant man.

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