Gary Milton Benson

Columbiana

Gary Milton Benson, 60, went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 17, 2012, in Jackson, Miss., with his loving daughter by his side. A native of Columbiana, Gary graduated from Shelby County High School and later went on to the University of Alabama during the Bear Bryant era. After college, he began a 30-year career in the commercial construction industry. He traveled all across the United States and abroad managing projects. An avid Alabama football fan, Gary loved to cheer for his beloved Crimson Tide. He was a very devoted and loving father and grandfather who certainly lived life to the fullest and will always be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, quick-witted sense of humor, and his kind and generous heart.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Sidney Milton Benson; stepmother, Mary Lou Benson; brother-in-law, Earnest Hughes of Columbiana; and sister, Julie Dixon, of Fairhope. He is survived by his daughter, Kyla Benson Weems (David); grandson, Alexander Weems of Jackson, Miss.; sister, Pat Hughes, of Columbiana; mother, Myra Jean Philips; stepfather, Albert Philips; brother, Mike Philips; and sister, Diana Palmer, all of Baldwin County.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 27 at Bay Springs Baptist Church in Shelby. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Crimson Tide Foundation, P.O. Box 870343, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487-0343.