Charles P. Benford

BENFORD, Charles P., 40, of Clearwater, passed away December 13, 2002. A resident of Clearwater since 1971, he was a graduate of Clearwater High School, received a BS from East Tennessee State University inJohnson City, Tenn. and a BS in Orthotics and Prosthetics from Florida International University in Miami, Fla. He began his career at the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children in Tampa, where he worked for 10 years. He was the practicing owner of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Center of St. Petersburg. In 2000, Mr. Benford was a recipient of the National Healing Hands Award presented to him by C. Everett Koop,the former Surgeon General of the United States. He was the President of the Florida Association of Orthotics and Prosthetics. Mr. Benford was a prominent benefactor for Bayfront Hospital, Bayflight and Clearwater for Youth among other charities. He is survived by his fiancee, Linnette Whitcher of Clearwater; and his two sisters, Anne Benford Slater of Palm Harbor and Jane Alison Benford of Tampa. His parents, Sidney and Erdine, preceded him in death. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Sunday, December 22, 2002 at 4:30 p.m., at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 750 SanSalvador Dr., Dunedin, Fla., (727) 733-3606. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to Clearwater For Youth, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Suite 236, Clearwater, FL 33765. National Cremation Society 4945 East Bay Drive Clearwater, FL 33764 727-536-0494