James Lonnie Benjamin, 83, son of Lonnie and Lucille Elizabeth Charles Benjamin, transitioned from this earth into eternal life on August 25, 2022 at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, Sumter, after a long battle with his health. Born, April 29, 1939, in St. Charles, (Lee County). He attended the public schools of Lee County and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School, Class of 1958. After graduating High School, he enlisted into the United States Army in 1961 and served until 1963. After serving his country, he received his certification as a Master Electrician from Central Carolina Technical College. He went on to open his own business in downtown Sumter, Ben’s Repair Service, LLC. James loved what he did and used his many talents to help those in his community who needed it, until his health started to declined. At an early age, James dedicated his life to Christ and was a lifelong member of Unionville A. M. E. Church. He was a hard worker who loved his family, fishing and could talk your head off. He leaves to cherish his memories: four sons, Frenchie Benjamin of Somerset, N.J., Marvin Bradford of Sumter, S. C., Gaymon Maurice Wilder (Munik) of Columbia, S. C., James Quentin Blackwell of Orlando, FL; two daughters, Melissa “Lisa” Wilder of Stone Mountain, GA and Sabrina Williams (Marquis) of Dalzell, S. C.; three sisters, Minnie Wells of East Orange, N. J., Shirley Leola Benbow (Thomas) of Mayesville, S. C., Edna Mae Benjamin of Bishopville, S. C.; one special cousin/sister, Louis Hudson; fifteen grandchildren; three great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. Also, two special friends, caretaker, Ella Colclough and care taker, Rickey Colclough. In accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitations at the home, 4680 Lantern Lane, Sumter. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a. m., Thursday, September 1, 2022 at Unionville A. M. E. Church, 1330 Swimming Pen Road, Mayesville, with the Rev. Jerome McCray, pastor. The procession will leave the home at 10:20 a. m. Burial will be in the Unionville A. M. E. Church Yard Cemetery.
Condolence Messages
Leave Your Condolence
Please feel free to sign the Guest Register and forward your condolences to friends and family members who have suffered a loss. Please enter your words of remembrance in the space provided. You may select whether you wish for us to deliver them to the family, display them online or both. Please note that Williams Funeral Home, Inc. will review all messages before they are published on the world-wide web or forwarded to family members. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. Thank-you.