Terrell William Benton Jr.

1935 - 2021

Terrell William Benton, Jr. passed away peacefully on January 31, 2021, at the age of 85. A consummate gentleman, Mr. Benton was a lawyer and civic leader, best known for his kindness, commitment to professionalism, leadership and devotion to his family.

Born on April 2, 1935, in Jackson County, Georgia, he was the son of the late Terrell William Benton and the late Montaze Hartley Benton. He graduated from Jefferson High School and served a year traveling the United States as a Future Farmers of America National Officer, remaining life-long friends with his fellow FFA officers.

Mr. Benton graduated from the University of Georgia in 1960 with a BSA in Agriculture and was a member of the Gridiron Society and Alpha Zeta He earned his law degree from The University of Georgia School of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in the Superior Court of Jackson County by the Honorable Richard Russell, Ill on December 11, 1962. Mr. Benton began his litigation career at the firm Presten and Benton in Monroe, Georgia. He later joined the Athens firm of Erwin, Epting, Gibson and Chilivis. In 2003, Mr. Benton joined the firm of Hall, Booth Smith and Slover where he worked until the time of his retirement. He was a well-respected member of the bar during his legal career, which spanned 51 years. He was nationally known as an expert in education law, serving as counsel for the Clarke, Oconee and Walton County School Districts for several decades. His passion was always public school.

Mr. Benton represented the establishment and common folk with equal vigor. He defended capital murder cases, tried all types of civil matters at every level of the legal system, presided over multi-million dollar corporate and real estate transactions yet never missed his children's activities.

Mr. Benton was a long time member of the Athens Rotary Club where he became a Harris Fellow. He served in many capacities at Emmanuel Episcopal Church and St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church. He served as a board member for the Salvation Army and worked on the Commission for Consolidation of Athens-Clarke County.

In 1960, Mr. Benton married the former Jo Dunahoo of Winder, Georgia. They had two children, Alice and Chip, during their happy 61-year marriage. He was affectionately known as Pop by his grandchildren. He was a wonderful story teller and entertained his family and friends with his colorful stories. He loved talking about driving his friend, Jimmy Carter around in his VW Bug drumming up votes for Governor.

A devoted and beloved husband, father and grandfather, Mr. Benton is survived by his wife, Jo, his two children, Alice Benton and friend, Jack Blackmon, and Terrell W. "Chip" Benton, Ill and his wife, Mary Benton; and five grandchildren: Mary Eliza, Wells and Ella Kamerschen and Will and Marshall Benton.

A graveside burial service is planned for Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at the Oconee Hill Cemetery. Please wear a mask and social distance.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church, 3195 S. Barnett Shoals Road, Athens, Georgia 30605; or the Athens Emergency Food Bank, 640 Barber Street, Athens, Georgia 30601.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

www.BernsteinFuneralHome.com