Mr. Sammie Benton, of Newton County, died Sept. 23. The son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Willie (Mary Lee Perry) Benton, he was born in 1919. Mr. Benton joined James Paschal Baptist Church at an early age and served faithfully as a deacon, choir member, male chorus member and regular worshipper until his health failed.

Mr. Benton was a night watchman at Bibb Manufacturing and later at the Social Circle Cotton Mill from which he retired. He enjoyed fishing and gardening and getting the family together for reunions and special occasions. His easy going personality won him many friends. Mr. Benton was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Mrs. Irene Belcher Benton.

Surviving are sons Mr. and Mrs. Gary (Lillie) Benton of Decatur, Mr. and Mrs. Eddie (Glenda) Benton of Atlanta; 8 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; brothers Mr. Horacial Benton of Covington, Mr. Sanders Benton of Inglewood, Calif.; sister Mrs. Willie Mae Chaney of Conyers; sisters-in-law Mrs. Annie Maude Roby, Mr. and Mrs. James (Lillie Bell) Norman; brothers-in-law Mr. Ralph Belcher, Mr. Carl Levester; a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at noon Sept. 27 at James Paschal Baptist Church with the Rev. Dwayne A. Stephens and the Rev. W.G. Tigner Jr. officiating. Interment followed in Westside Cemetery.