Stewart Michael “Mike” Benton, Sr. took our Lord’s hand and followed Him home on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

Mike was born March 28, 1954, in Columbia, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents Billy Benton and Jacquelin “Jackie” (Smith) Benton.

November 22, 1975, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Cathy (Crosby) Benton. They shared life together for over 50 years and in her heart he will always remain.

Upon graduating in 1974 from Baptist College, he was employed as a Fish Biologist for Enwright Associates in Summerville. He later worked for Borice “Doc” Hurlburt as a Forester. Then in 1982 he obtained a position in the Research and Development Department at Asten in Walterboro. His employment with them allowed him many opportunities of advancement and travels from Canada to Europe. He earned his Black Belt and Master Black Belt degrees of Lean Enterprises and Six Sigma from Asten at which time he became one of their lead teachers. Throughout his years of employment, he remained the epitome of the loyal, dedicated employee.

Mike was first ordained as a Deacon in 1978 by Edgewood Baptist Church. A calling that remained in his heart because of the love and devotion for his Savior, Jesus Christ. His lifetime church membership was First Baptist Church. As a faithful servant he used his skills as a writer and photographer on numerous mission trips to Honduras, always with his best friends, Dr. Otis and Marge Hill. He was the founder of the local non-profit, Nails-N-Hand, which constructed handicap ramps for people in need. The founding of this non-profit was instrumental in bringing WorldChangers to Colleton County. Mike will always be remembered for his gentle personality, beautiful laugh and quick wit, intelligence, compassion for others and total love and commitment to his Lord and his family.

Mike is loved and remembered by his children, Sarah E. Benton, of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Dr. Stewart Michael Benton, Jr., and his wife Grace, of York, Pennsylvania. He loved and adored his granddaughter, Micah Mary Benton, who was named after (for) her PawPaw. He greatly anticipated the arrival of another granddaughter, baby Benton. He is survived by his sister, Shari B. Smith and her husband Bill; his niece, Ashley S. Speight, and her husband Chris; great nephew, William Callahan Speight, whom he loved and enjoyed sharing his passion and extensive knowledge of the outdoors; brother-in-law, Eugene H. Crosby, Jr., and his wife Audrey; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he loved.

As his wife and best friend, I am sure Mike was welcomed into heaven with “Well done my faithful servant, enter into the joys of thy Lord”.

The family would like to thank our devoted, loving caregivers, Samantha Hall, Marian Reid, and Stephanie Bardelli.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Friday, January 10, 2025, at Heritage Funeral and Cremation Services, 3700 Forest Lawn Drive, Weddington, North Carolina.  Viewing will be 10-11:00 AM.  Burial will be in Forest Lawn East Cemetery.  Kuhner Associates Funeral Directors, Inc., 863 South George Street, York, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Mission Serve, 124 South Memorial Avenue, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488 or Samaritan's Purse, Boone, North Carolina.