Richard Benton

1936 - 2025

Richard "Barry" Benton was born on December 30, 1936, in Lexington, Kentucky, and passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 21, 2025, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, service, faith, and unwavering dedication to others.

Barry, a longtime resident of Calhoun, is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Sandy, his daughter, Blake Benton Westfall (Fred), and son, David Benton (Kelli), as well as grandchildren Veronica Victor (Colin), Christina Westfall, Arthur Gauthier Benton, and Alice Gauthier Benton. He is also survived by his sisters, Katherine Benton Wright (Welton) and Nancy Lee Benton Frederick, and their families.

A graduate of Davidson College and Emory Law School, Barry served as an Army Intelligence officer and later practiced law for more than four decades, specializing in taxation and estate planning. He was licensed in eight southeastern states and also served as a prosecutor in Kentucky.

Guided by faith, Barry dedicated much of his life to mission work, founding Christian Flights International, which provided humanitarian aid in Haiti, and Abba's Work, which focuses on developing Christian leaders in Africa. A lifelong learner, pilot, and teacher, he inspired others to live with integrity, curiosity, and service to others. A Memorial Service will be held on November 9, 2025, from 01:30 PM to 03:00 PM at Madison Campus Seventh-day Adventist Church 607 Larkin Springs Rd.