Gene Benenhaley

Gene R. Benenhaley, 65, widower of Elizabeth Ward Benenhaley, died Saturday, May 15, 2010, at Palmetto Health Richland.

Born in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Raymond Sr. and Rosalie Ray Benenhaley. Mr. Benenhaley was a member of Paxville Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and was retired from the civil service at Shaw Air Force Base.

Survivors include a stepson, Darryl Geddings of Sumter; a step-granddaughter, Megan Geddings; a step-great-grandson, Logan Mitchum; a step-great-granddaughter, Bella Geddings; a sister, Brenda Jones of Dalzell; two brothers, Raymond Benenhaley Jr. and Benny Benenhaley (April), both of Dalzell; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Julie; and a sister, Joyce Piucci.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Eugene Mosier and the Rev. James Allen officiating.

Burial was in Paxville Cemetery with military honors.

Pallbearers were Perry Benenhaley, Ken Ray, Mike Ray, Henry Benenhaley, Wilson Ray and Kenny Bryant.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 520 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter was in charge of the arrangements.