Dwight Mewborne “Buzz” Benson, 89, of Rock Hill, SC, died April 20, 2024, under the care of Hospice House Rock Hill. He was born June 30, 1934, in Durham, NC, the son of Dwight Moody Benson and Mildred (McCauley) Benson, both deceased. He is also preceded in the death by his wife, Alma Lou (Anderson) “Amy” Benson, and brothers, Robert McCauley Benson and Frank Stuart Benson. Surviving are his daughter Mildred Elizabeth (Benson) Trebendis, son Mark Richard Benson (Laureen Carter) and family; two grandchildren, Katherine Elizabeth Trebendis and Michael McCauley Trebendis (Madison), nephew Thomas Sterling (Jesikah Maria Ross) and several other nieces and nephews.
Buzz, as he was known to his friends and family, was a graduate of Durham High School (class of 1952). He attended North Carolina State University for 2 years before joining the United States Air Force as a pilot. He met Amy in France where they married and started their family. After his active duty time at Dreaux Air Force Base (France), Scott Air Force Base (IL) and Norton Air Force Base (CA), he transitioned to the 167th Air National Guard unit in Martinsburg, WV. Following is retirement from the ANG, he enjoyed working for several years at Rockwell’s in Martinsburg as a repair technician, where he was affectionately known as “The OFITB”. He and Amy retired to SC in 2007, first to Indian Land, and later to Westminster Towers in Rock Hill. He loved to fly airplanes, enjoyed all things trains and travel, and was a wonderful friend, father, granddaddy and uncle to all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his wit and humor, his grace, his easy manner and his ability to connect with people of all ages.
Services will be held at Unity Presbyterian Church in Ft. Mill, SC on May 18, 2024 at 10:30, followed by refreshments in the fellowship hall. Memorials may be made to Paws in the Panhandle, P O Box 1802, Ft. Mill, SC 29716, the Unity Presbyterian Endowment Fund, Westminster Towers, 1330 India Hook Road, Rock Hill, SC, 29730, or a charity of your choice.