Gary L. Benefield

Gary L. Benefield, 72, of Dothan, AL passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and loved ones, February 16, 2017.

A Veteran of the Vietnam War, Gary dutifully enlisted and served our country in the United States Air Force. He retired following a career in commercial real estate management and development, living as a longtime resident in both Mobile AL and Atlanta GA.

A descendant of the Lartigue, Daves, Benefield, and Pollard families, he was predeceased by grandparents Oscar and Lucille Pollard Benefield, James F. and Agnes Lartigue Daves, and parents Guy N Benefield, Mary June Daves Benefield of Mobile.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, high school sweetheart and love of his life of 54 years, Anne Elizabeth Smith, also of Mobile; daughter, Celeni, her husband H. Lee McKenzie, III and granddaughter Julia A. McKenzie; son Matthew B. Benefield, his wife Cristy Lewis Benefield, and grandson Bowen B. Dungan; Brothers Guy and Greg; sisters June, Jane and Joan; Uncle James “Bubba” Daves, and many loved cousins, nieces, nephews, lifelong friends, and brother and sister Michael and Judy Leonard, and “Annie”.

Gary always expressed love of family and friends. He embraced people of all walks of life and was a compassionate, generous, and humorous spirit who seldom met a stranger.

A casual memorial gathering for celebration of his life will be held Saturday February 25, 2017 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pine Crest Funeral Home, 1939 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile. Phone 251-478-5227. Final disposition will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the charity of your choice.

Guests should anticipate many tears, laughs, lies, and tall tales. As Gabby would say “Did you hear the one about…….!?”. He loved us all.