Troy Edward Benefield

James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel Troy E. "Precious" Benefield, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 22, 2013 at Jackson Hospital. He was born in Berrien County Georgia on January 30, 1928. Troy served in WWII as a fire fighter with the Army Air Corp. After discharge he came to Jackson County and has resided in the area for the past 60 years. He was a faithful member and deacon at Inwood Baptist Church. He retired from the Florida State Hospital Fire Department after 39 years of service. Troy mentored and influenced many children and young people in the surrounding area through training and riding horses. These young people not only learned about horses but also learned many life lessons along the way. He participated in many parades and horse shows, including leading legislative trail rides. Troy was always willing to help anyone in need by extending a friendly hand and assisting in any way possible. Troy was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Benefield and Alda Lee Benefield; brothers, Havis, Carl and Mark; one sister, Nita Lott. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lavada; two sons, Steve Benefield and wife Pat, Terry Benefield; daughter, Gloyce Rogers and husband, Dennis; four grandchildren, Melanie Key and husband, Jason, Jessica Benefield, Alex Rogers, and Allison Rogers; six great grandchildren. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Sunday, February 24, 2013 at Inwood Baptist Church with Revs. Tim Jones and Glynn Dunham officiating. Burial will follow in Carpenter Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. The family expresses appreciation for the love and care he received at Signature Health Care at the Courtyard for the past four years.