Robert Davis Benton

Robert Davis Benton, 93, also known as Sonny, Dad, and Grandpa, of Woodbridge, Virginia, died peacefully surrounded by family on November 13, 2023. Robert was born in Lexington, North Carolina, on August 11, 1930, as the first child to Mary Davis Benton and Albert Ransom Benton, Sr. In 1940, the Benton family relocated to Arlington, Virginia, where he took care of his younger brothers and sisters while his mother worked. Robert graduated from public high school and joined the US Army. It was in post-war Germany where he met Hildegard, his wife of 63 years. During his 25-year military career, he served as a paratrooper and later as a manager within Club Services, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. In addition to his stint in post-war Germany, Robert served in occupied Lebanon and Okinawa. He completed three tours in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters and numerous other medals and awards. He worked for another 15 years at the Pentagon Officer’s Athletic Club in Arlington, retiring in 1989. Retirement allowed Robert to spend more time with his numerous brothers and sisters, four children, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He assisted nearly everyone with home remodels and repairs. No project was too big or too complex for Robert. By all accounts, his projects looked great and were fully functional, although many never would have met building codes or passed inspection! When he wasn’t tinkering and building, he could be found in his favorite chair watching and rooting for his beloved football team, the Washington Commanders. He watched every tennis tournament he could find on TV, where he cheered for Serena Williams. He could also be found watching college football, golf, and professional bowling at any time of the night or day. Rumor has it that Robert was a pretty good bowler in his day and earned numerous trophies, but that fact cannot be independently verified! What can be verified is that his amazing fried pork chops, pineapple upside-down cake, and hash brown potatoes were made with love and lots of unhealthy ingredients. Robert didn’t hide his affection for his family. He maintained a special bond with his sister Patricia, calling her to discuss anything and everything at any hour of the day. He loved his kids and grandchildren. Even after his health began to deteriorate, his family brought him great joy. Visits and drawings from his grandchildren and greetings from the great-grandchildren brought a smile to his face until his final days. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Louis, Raymond, Curtis, and Albert Jr., and sisters Delores, Garnetta, and Elaine. He is survived by his sister Patricia (Joseph) Steele, his wife Hildegard Dirscherl Benton, sons Raymond (Shannon), Stanley (Antje), Jerome (Chris), and daughter Diana (Tom). He will be missed by grandchildren James (Amber), Robert (Samantha), Ashley Benton-Jacobs (Jonathan), Erin, Rachel, and Lilianna, along with great-grandchildren Liam, Jayden, Taylor, Elijah, and Koda. In addition, he leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A very special thank you to Raymond and Shannon for the loving care they provided Dad over the last several years. Also, the family would like to thank the caring nurses and staff members at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center for making his last days dignified and comfortable. Services will be held at the Miller Funeral Home at 3200 Golansky Blvd. in Woodbridge, VA, on November 22, 2023. The family will receive visitors from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with services to follow. Robert’s final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery. Donations can be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

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Robert Davis Benton

August 11, 1930 - November 13, 2023