C. Larry Benefield

Larry Benefield age 68 of Gulfport, MS passed away on April 20, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Sue Maddox; his grandparents, Reverand Daniel Pinson and D.P. Benefield, Johnnie Maude Benefield; his maternal great-grandmother, Cleo Lolley; and a brother, Darian Benefield.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Patti Benefield; his son, Blake Benefield (Amy); step-children, Tanya Jones (Todd), Billy Kelly (Kasey), Andrew Dedeaux (Jessica), Andrea Haley; his siblings, Danny R. Benefield (Debbie), Tim J. Benefield (Rhonda), Patti M. Greene (Keith), and Darrell B. Benefield (Amanda); his grandchildren, Isabel Agustin, Gavin Benefield, Tyler Jones, Kimberlee (Austin), Kaegan Kelly, Kamden Kelly, Jenna Dedeaux, Drew Dedeaux, Jordan Haley and Jayden Hayey; and his two great-grandchildren, June and Julia Haley; nieces and nephews Kaycee, Matthew, Taylor, T. J. Jacob, and Shaylyn; great-nieces and nephews, Harper, Clark, Jane and Chanley; numerous colleagues and dear friends.

He was born in Georgia and grew up in Gulfport where he was a 1970 graduate of Gulfport High School. Larry was recognized in the Gulfport Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 for his 1970 All Star Big-8 game when he was recognized as the MVP. Larry was also a member of the 1971 National Championship team at Perkinston Junior College (now MGCCC).

Larry was a member on the Harrison County School Board from 1981 until 1987 and then he served as a member of the Harrison County Board of Supervisors from 1992 - 2008. Larry was retired from the Harrison County School District as the Director of Transportation and Maintenance. He will be deeply missed by his family and all those who had the honor of knowing him and working with him through the years.

Our family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport especially Dr. Derek Ware, Dr. Bart Edminston, and Dr. Allison Wall. Your compassion and care will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 23, 2021, from 12 - 2 PM at Redeemer Baptist Church, 1902 Kelly Ave, Gulfport. The funeral service will be at 2 PM in the church. Interment will be in Gulf Pines Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Cancer Center c/o MHG Foundation, P.O. Box 940, Gulfport, MS 39502.

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, is serving the family and an online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com