Gerald "Gerry" Lee Benfield, 56, of Mt. Holly passed away peacefully and entered into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, November 29, 2025. He was born on May 3, 1969 to Roger and Vickey Benfield in Charlotte, NC.
Gerry graduated from North Mecklenburg High School in 1987 and attended Wingate University. He went on to have a successful 36 year career at American Airlines.
Gerry's first love was his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He committed his life to Jesus as a child and walked a life of steadfast faith, prayer and devotion to sharing the love of Jesus. His faith was not loud or boastful, but steady and lived out in the way he treated others: with patience, humility, and a kindness that asked for nothing in return. Gerry was a witness to all who knew him. He lived out Jesus's commandments to love the Lord with all his heart, mind and soul and loved his neighbors as himself.
After the Lord, the greatest love of Gerry's life was his beloved wife of 34 years, Dena Campbell Benfield. He cherished her with a gentle loyalty that never wavered. Together they raised three children, Campbell, Molly and Savannah, in a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the sort of love that endures every season. Gerry loved his family in the way Christ taught him to love.
Anyone who knew Gerry knew he loved Andy Griffith, and could quote most episodes by heart. He loved the old black and white episodes the most. Gerry agreed with Andy Taylor when he said "The best things in life are the simple things... and the people we share them with". He would also agree with Barney Fife when he said "Tell 'em I'm busy - doing nothing...and doing it real good". He loved the Dallas Cowboys and was never ashamed to wear a Cowboy's jersey among a sea of Panther's fans.
Of all the earthly joys God gave Gerry, none lit up his face quite like becoming Papaw to his granddaughter Tatum. She was his treasure, a spark of innocence and laughter that melted his heart when she was with him. Their bond was immediate and filled with hugs, kisses, laughter, games and lots of snuggles. He was most excited about the upcoming birth of his grandson in 2026.
Gerry leaves behind a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ, fierce love for his family, and a gentle and kind strength.
Gerry is survived by his wife Dena Benfield, parents Roger and Vickey Benfield, brother Steve Benfield (Megan), children Campbell Benfield (Katlin), Molly Collins (Andrew), Savannah Benfield, and grandbaby Tatum Benfield.
Visitation will be December 3, 2025 at 10 AM and a memorial service will follow at 11 AM at Hickory Grove Baptist Church (Mallard Creek Campus), 13200 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28262.
Gerry graduated from North Mecklenburg High School in 1987 and attended Wingate University. He went on to have a successful 36 year career at American Airlines.
Gerry's first love was his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He committed his life to Jesus as a child and walked a life of steadfast faith, prayer and devotion to sharing the love of Jesus. His faith was not loud or boastful, but steady and lived out in the way he treated others: with patience, humility, and a kindness that asked for nothing in return. Gerry was a witness to all who knew him. He lived out Jesus's commandments to love the Lord with all his heart, mind and soul and loved his neighbors as himself.
After the Lord, the greatest love of Gerry's life was his beloved wife of 34 years, Dena Campbell Benfield. He cherished her with a gentle loyalty that never wavered. Together they raised three children, Campbell, Molly and Savannah, in a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the sort of love that endures every season. Gerry loved his family in the way Christ taught him to love.
Anyone who knew Gerry knew he loved Andy Griffith, and could quote most episodes by heart. He loved the old black and white episodes the most. Gerry agreed with Andy Taylor when he said "The best things in life are the simple things... and the people we share them with". He would also agree with Barney Fife when he said "Tell 'em I'm busy - doing nothing...and doing it real good". He loved the Dallas Cowboys and was never ashamed to wear a Cowboy's jersey among a sea of Panther's fans.
Of all the earthly joys God gave Gerry, none lit up his face quite like becoming Papaw to his granddaughter Tatum. She was his treasure, a spark of innocence and laughter that melted his heart when she was with him. Their bond was immediate and filled with hugs, kisses, laughter, games and lots of snuggles. He was most excited about the upcoming birth of his grandson in 2026.
Gerry leaves behind a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ, fierce love for his family, and a gentle and kind strength.
Gerry is survived by his wife Dena Benfield, parents Roger and Vickey Benfield, brother Steve Benfield (Megan), children Campbell Benfield (Katlin), Molly Collins (Andrew), Savannah Benfield, and grandbaby Tatum Benfield.
Visitation will be December 3, 2025 at 10 AM and a memorial service will follow at 11 AM at Hickory Grove Baptist Church (Mallard Creek Campus), 13200 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28262.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald "Gerry" Lee Benfield, please visit our flower store.
Gerald "Gerry" Lee Benfield's Guestbook
Visits: 2804
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors