Alec Benson

Alec Benson, 92, passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, at home on Skidaway Island with his family by his side. He was born in Savannah, Georgia on March 12, 1933, the son of the late Robert Q. Benson and Ruth Strickland Benson. He graduated from Savannah High School in 1952. He then attended Georgia Institute of Technology on their CO-OP program graduating in 1957 with a Mechanical Engineering degree.

After college he started his career in the paper industry at Union Camp. He worked for Union Camp for over 16 years. During his early days with Union Camp, he went into the US Army to fulfill a college ROTC commitment. He was honorably discharged from the Army as a Captain.

He joined the Georgia Kraft Organization which later became a part of the Temple Inland Organization. His Temple Inland career led him to the following cities: Eufaula, Alabama; Rome, Georgia; Macon, Georgia; Evadale, Texas; Orange, Texas; and Indianapolis, Indiana. During his career with Temple Inland he served as Plant Manager at a number of their paper mills. He also served as President of the Sabine River & Northern Railroad, a subsidiary of Temple Inland. During his last ten years with Temple Inland he served as Senior Vice President of Operations over their many paper mills.

Alec was active in many civic activities: President of the White Bluff Community Association, Commissioner of the town of Vernonburg, Chairman of the Savannah Chapter of Mechanical Engineers, Board of Directors of the HCA Coliseum Medical Center in Macon, GA, Lion's Club in Eufaula, AL, and the Rotary Club in Macon and Savannah.

Alec enjoyed the outdoors: gardening, fishing and running. One of his highlights was being a member of the USA Triathlon Team going to Manchester, England and competing in the world-wide triathlon event.

Alec always found time to be involved in church. His career moves allowed him to worship with many church families. His church activities included: teaching Sunday school, Administrative Board, Church Council, Trustees, Finance committees and Stewardship Chairman.

Alec is survived by his wife of 65 years, Terry Grant Benson, one brother Richard Benson. He is survived by three children, Alec Stephen Benson, Sheila Benson Ryan (Chip), and Phillip Grant Benson and three grandchildren Kayla Anne Benson, Alec Elebash Benson and Harley Eulin Ryan III.