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Dennis Benfield Obituary
Redding, CA
Dennis Benfield is now home with his heavenly Father. He died on December 28, 2015 after a long illness.
Dennis was born Nov. 5, 1942 in Red Bluff, CA. He attended schools in and around Red Bluff and was a 1961 graduate of Red Bluff High. After high school he landed a job as a grocery clerk for Holiday Markets. He worked himself up to manager and stayed in the industry for 30 years.
At 50 he was bored and got a job as an insurance agent and accepted the position of pastor of Happy Valley Baptist Church. Dennis had served churches in the north state for over 30 years; teaching, preaching and filling in for pastors that were sick or on vacation, and was dubbed the 'Circuit Riding Preacher'. For over 30 years he did funeral services for local chapels, providing a service for families that had no pastor or church. His trademark was a recital of the poem "The Dash" at the end of each service.
He retired but again became bored, so he bought a small limousine service in Redding and ran it for 6 years. He and his wife Sandy then bought an RV and went out and saw American for 2 years. They have been married 38 years and have 2 sons, Dan (Amanda) Benfield of Livermore, CA and Tom (Mary) Benfield of Little Rock, AR, and numerous grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Redding First Church of the Nazarene, 2225 N. Bechelli Lane, Redding on Saturday, January 9 at 11 AM.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obits.redding.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Benfield
Glenna Frisbee
December 31, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Onie Kirby
January 11, 2016
My deepest condolences to the family. Dennis filled in many times when my Pastor was not able to preach. RIP Dennis.
Susan and Jerry Price
January 11, 2016
To the family of Dennis Benfield, we are so sorry for your loss. I knew Dennis when I was a little girl and he was the manager of Mike's Market in Shasta Lake (Central Valley). My parents Bill and Joan Brown knew him well too. Thank you Dennis for officiating my wedding to my best friend 20 years ago. May you rest in peace.
Tifeni (Lewis) Hoffman
January 9, 2016
So very sorry for your loss!!! Family, friends and all close and dear to Dennis (((Hugs))) to you all. Special hugs to my friend Tommy, losing your Dad is a tough one I know, hang in there.
Reggie Lazott
January 9, 2016
Sandy, so sorry for your loss. Dennis was the best store manager I had during my 37 years in the grocery business.
Bob Skinner
January 9, 2016
A good friend, a god husband, and a good man. He will be missed here on earth. Sandy, you were a lucky woman, and remember you'll see him again.
Carolyn Brock-Culbertson
January 8, 2016
Sandy, I was so sorry to hear about Dennis. Please know that you have so many friends and family that are with you during this time of loss.
Larry Teeter
January 8, 2016
If ever there were a man to write a book about. It would be Dennis. As friends in our High School days we did the most wild and crazy things, not bad things but just plain fun. It was always hard to keep up with Dennis, but it sure was fun to try. I know that God has a special service for him, and now He's gotten ahead of me again, I'm looking forward to seeing you again Dennis.j
KC
January 8, 2016
I AM SENDING MY MOST HEARTFELT SYMPATHY.PLEASE KNOW THAT GOD WILL COMFORT YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME.HOSEA 13:14
Marcella Saewert
January 8, 2016
We are sad to see another wonderful person has passed on who brought so much love to this world. You are and will be missed. Our condolences to the family. Don and Marcella Saewert
Craig Thompson
January 7, 2016
Dan, Sorry for your and you're families loss. I was saddened when I read of your father's passing. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Thomas Martin
January 7, 2016
Sandy I know how you must miss your Dennis. I was saddened to hear the news that he had passed, but happy to know he is in Heaven what a wonderful place to be and no more illness. God Bless you Sandy and your family will be Praying for all of you.
Carla Benfield Reap
January 7, 2016
I pray our Heavenly Father wraps this entire family up tight in his arms and gives you complete peace and comfort in knowing our sweet Dennis is at peace for eternity. Love you Sandy, Tom, Bard and the entire family.
Dennis McGowan
January 7, 2016
The other Dennis is how he always greeted me. We were friends and brother pastors. I will miss him.
Stephanie
January 7, 2016
Jim and I loved Dennis's stories when he could come to the house to pick up your Buddy when we dogsat him. So many people's lives have been touched by him. and to Sandy, what a beautiful love story you and Dennis were. Love you.
Delton Streetman
January 7, 2016
I can remember Dennis from his time at Mikes Markett in Central Valley, his house he lived in then is now my Aunt Diane Allen's dental office. I can say I never saw Dennis when he wasnt smiling, he was the first pick to officiate at our daughters wedding, but prior commitments kept him fro beig available. He was a very good person, and will be missed by all who knew him.
larry and ellen withers
January 6, 2016
it was such a joy to know dennis and you sandy. you were there for both the up times and the down times we love you both and know where dennnis is. much love
Amanda Benfield
January 6, 2016
I have so many great memories and am truly blessed to have been able to call you pa, I miss you so much and will always remember all the good times camping, fishing, BBQs, and just hanging out relaxing at the house. I don't know who's going to organize all of our cabinets at the house when we're on vacation now :) I will continue to love and charish every moment I have with your son, Danny and am looking forward to camping and going on trips with sandy. I love you Pa, save us spot, preferably with a view
Jennifer Bennett
January 6, 2016
Unc will be missed by my kids, Clayton and myself. He has been a part of our lives forever and has given us great memories. There has been wonderful stories, far fetched stories and stories we have learned from. Always in our hearts and memories! Gone but never forgotten. We love you Unc!
Joseph Grabeal
January 6, 2016
It has been such a privilege to have known Dennis. He was a great friend for many years. He will be missed. But always remembered.
Nancy Souza
January 6, 2016
Dennis touched so many lives. At my late husband's funeral in 2005, my son-in-law from the Bay Area said afterward "I am not a church-going man, but if I lived in this area I would attend HIS church" - a witness to his kind spirit and ability to say the right things at the right time. Rest in peace, Dennis.
Patricia Stine
January 6, 2016
Dennis was a classmate he was also a FB. friend. He will be missed by a lot of people. Keep in touch Sandy& if you are ever in Texarkana call us & we will get together. Prayers for the family. Pat
Rebecca Moore
January 6, 2016
It has been such an honor to have you as my Grandpa. I love you so much, you will truly be missed by so many. God has an amazing Angel by his side now.
Robert Franke
January 6, 2016
Glad to have the chance to meet you after going back and forth on Facebook since marrying Christy! It was an honor and your Legacy lives on through the family you've shared with the world! I know you're loving your new eternal home!
January 6, 2016
We are sorry for your loss, he is at peace in heaven.
Erik & Carla Lawther
Christy Franke
January 6, 2016
Papa you will forever be missed, I know you will forever be in peace, but just know your part in my life has helped my journey and sebastians like no other! I will see you soon in heaven when God brings me home ... thank you for your lessons, your stories and your love!
Darrel and Sherry Buttram
January 6, 2016
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers this week. You're such a special family and mean so much to me and Darrel. We wish we could be there to share in the service you planned. We treasure the memory of Dennis conducting our marriage ceremony. Then, getting to play a small role in Danny and Tommy's lives was, indeed a great time for us. Sandy, we are grateful that God brought you and Dennis together! He was a wonderful, unique individual who enjoyed life, loved his family and Lord, and always jumped right into the middle of whatever God called him to do. Picturing him in heaven is comforting, especially knowing we'll have eternity together.
Love always,
Edna Brown
January 6, 2016
So sorry to see Dennis died. He was such a kind, compassionate and congenial man"
Rosemarie Newcomb
January 6, 2016
So very sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.
January 6, 2016
The best friend a person could have. You were lucky if you knew Dennis. Our memories can never be taken away. Dennis always brings on nothing but good memories. Love Grace
Pat Drummond
January 6, 2016
So sorry for your loss.I have know Dennis since he was a young man as our families went camping together quite abit.
.I know how proud he was of his sons.
Mary Bastian
January 6, 2016
You are my "Readers Digest, Unforgettable character. You didn't just talk the talk, you truly walked the walk. Missing, but never forgetting you! My prayers for closure and peace for the family.
January 6, 2016
Sandy and family: So sorry for your loss. met Dennis years ago through co-worker Paul Bryan. always enjoyed visiting with him and thoroughly enjoye d Limo service w/family at Christmas some years ago.
Dan @ Glenna Frisbee
January 6, 2016
Our thoughts are with you
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