Darryl Lee Benton

The family of Darryl Lee Benton, affectionately known as 'Bones,' of Rockledge, Florida, is heartbroken to announce his sudden passing on June 26, 2025, at the age of 74.

Darryl moved to Rockledge in 1964 when his family relocated after his father retired from the Army. He was born in Nuremberg, Germany on October 29, 1950 where his parents, Deward and Bessie Benton (Nichols) were stationed. Darryl met his first wife Anne WIlliams after being introduced to her by his surf buddy, and Anne's older brother, Mark. They were married for over 40 years and raised three children together: Aimee, Katie, and Eric.

Darryl attended Florida Technological University (now UCF) where he and Anne lived in a loft above a horse barn. He graduated in 1976 with a degree in Business Administration and Management and was a lifelong supporter of UCF football - Go Knights!

After the two divorced, Darryl married his longtime friend, high school classmate, and prom date, Betsi (Beatty) Moist, in 2016 and gained two step-sons: Cody and Cameron. Darryl enjoyed his life with Betsi and loved his adventures with her.

Darryl graduated from Cocoa High School in 1969 and enlisted in the Army with his lifelong friend Travis Ringo. Darryl wanted to stay alive so he thought that he needed the very best training the Army offered, and thus became an Airborne Ranger in the 75th Regiment, Charlie Company. He was in Vietnam for a year where he caught malaria, completed 27 missions, and-as desired-lived to tell about it all.

Darryl worked around the world throughout his career mostly as a project manager in the entertainment construction industry. It was in his work that he continued to live the Ranger creed: I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred-percent and then some. His projects included the Riyadh Airport in Saudi Arabia, King Kong and Jaws at Universal Studios, the Turtle Farm in the Cayman Islands, and Legoland in Germany.

After retiring, Darryl volunteered at the Brevard Zoo, VFW Post 4534, the Veterans Memorial Center in Merritt Island, and for the Space Coast chapter of Heroes on the Water as a kayak guide. He also served as Vietnam Unit Director for the C/75th and E/20 companies of the 75th Ranger Regiment Association.

Darryl loved surfing, fishing, reading a good book, playing golf, watching football, and spending time with friends. Up until recently, he never said no to a cold beer.

Darryl was predeceased by his dear older brother David Benton, his parents, and many Vietnam Veteran buddies gone too soon. He is survived by his children: Aimee (Tyler) Alexander, Katie (Tim) Cowan, Eric (Kristin) McBenton; stepchildren: Cody (Kati) Moist and Cameron (Sydney) Moist; his grandchildren: Emma Figueroa, Andrew Figueroa, Caroline Alexander, Grant Alexander, Everett Cowan, and Mia McBenton; his siblings Deward Benton, Deborah Vanderslice, and Dee Turner; many other beloved extended family members; and his canine companion, Squirt, who was often found curled up in his lap.

As surrender is not a Ranger word, we know Darryl didn't give up - he simply slipped away into the surf.