Edith “Edie” & William “Bill” Benton

William McKnight \"Bill\" Benton, Sr., 96, and Edith Sligh "Edie" Benton, 97, of Big Island died together at their residence Saturday, June 30, 2012. They were married 71 loving years.

Bill was born in the Panama Canal Zone, March 10, 1916; a son of the late Henry and Edna Benton. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Benton Burger, and brothers, Edward Benton and Henry Benton, II. He was survived by a brother, Thomas Benton.

Bill proudly served our county in the U.S. Army. He was retired from Allied Chemical Corporation where he worked for 43 years.

Edie was born in Big Island, VA, January 18, 1915; a daughter of the late Elic Mack and Ella Sligh. In addition to her parents, Edith was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Sligh Ulrick, and a brother, Garvice Sligh.

They are survived by their son, William McKnight \"Mac\" Benton, JR of New Castle, VA; a grandson, William McKnight \"Trey\" Benton, III and his wife, Carissa; a great-grandson, William McKnight \"Will\" Benton, IV; a granddaughter, Caroline \"Carrie\" Benton Odette; great-grandsons, Jackson Odette and Jamison Odette, all of Nashville, TN.

Memorial contributions may be made to Big Island Baptist Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 348, Big Island, VA 24526.

A celebration of their lives and memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Monday, July 9, 2012 at Big Island Baptist Church, where they were cherished members, with the Rev. Bryon LePere officiating.   A visitation will be held Sunday, July 8, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford.  Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 540-586-3443.