John Townsend Benton
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John Townsend Benton, 80, son of the late Ellen Legare Townsend Benton and the late William Spann Benton of Columbia died April 7, 2022 at Still Hopes. Mr. Benton was the grandson of the late Dr. and Mrs. John F. Townsend of Charleston and the late Mr. and Mrs. William S. Benton of Sumter.
Born March 23, 1942, in Columbia, Mr. Benton graduated from Dreher High School and received a B.A. degree and a Master of Arts in Teaching in social studies from the University of South Carolina. While attending the university, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Mr. Benton taught for thirty one years in public schools, including Sumter District 17 and Richland District II. He was a lifetime member of the National Educational Association, S.C. Education Association and Richland County Education Association.
A lifetime member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Mr. Benton received an associate Degree in Education for the Ministry from the University of the South.
He was a charter member of the St. Andrews Society of Columbia and also was a member of the Saraband Club, the Quadrille Club, the Columbia Ball and Forest Lake Club.
Mr. Benton was both an enthusiastic and very strong swimmer, both in the ocean and in Highland Lake at Flat Rock, N.C. Some of his happiest times were spent at Kanuga, a place that was very special to him.
Mr. Benton is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Quin Benton; two stepchildren; Capt. John E. Commins and Christine H. Commins; a sister, Legare Benton Head; a niece, Caroline Head Knox; a great-niece, Eleanor Townsend Knox and great-nephews, Henry Walton Knox and Turner Ashby Knox, and brother-in-law Thomas Quin.
Burial will be in the cemetery of Trinity Episcopal Church on Edisto Island on April 30, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in the Keenan Chapel on May 1, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.
Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.