Curtis Leon Benford Sr. died suddenly Aug. 1, 2012. He was born Aug. 28, 1960 in Morgan County to Rufus and Amy Lee Benford Sr. He graduated from Morgan County High School in 1980 and served his country in the United States Navy for four years. He graduated from Athens Technical School after studying automotive body repair. He was a dedicated worker to the following employers: Georgia Pacific, Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Dr. Mickey and Diana Cossio and SKC, Inc.
Mr. Benford married Linda Colbert Williams in 1988 and to this union one son was born CJ Benford. He also gained a step-son Corey Colbert who he raised as if he was his own.

He was affectionately known as “Curt” and was loved for his smile and sense of humor. He enjoyed sports, joking, laughing and grilling and he never met a stranger. He loved spending qualify time with his son CJ as they enjoyed sports, vacations and many happy times. He had a positive affect on many lives. He was a father figure to many. He had a big heart, didn’t mind doing anything for anybody. He will truly be missed by many and forgotten by none.

Mr. Benford leaves to cherish his fun-loving memories his sons Curtis L. “CJ” Benford Jr. of Madison and Corey Colbert of Conyers; grandson Cameron Benford of Madison; his parents Rufus and Amy Benford of Madison; brothers Rufus (Peggy) Benford Jr. of Decatur, Horace Benford, Calvin Benford, Marvin Benford, all of Madison, Daniel Benford of Covington, Scottie (Charisse) Benford of Lithonia and a sister Pamela Benford of Madison; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.

Curt’s quote from MCHS year book: “Yesterday is a dream and tomorrow is only a vision, but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope.”

Funeral service for Mr. Benford were at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5 at Springfield Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Brince Benford Sr. officiating and Pastor W. J. Reid Eulogist. Interment was in Springfield Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pall bearers were members of the MCHS Class of 2008; Honorary Pall bearers were members of MCHS Class of 1980; Flower bearers were his cousins and honorary flower bearers were members of MCHS Class of 1980.
Jones and Turner Funeral Home were in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the August 9, 2012