Donald Ray "Don" Benson, 68, of Oakland Street, Hartwell, passed away on April 6, 2016 at St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital, Lavonia.

Born on May 1, 1947 in Nashville TN, he was the son of the late Charles Franklin Benson and Mary Elizabeth Pittard Benson.Mr. Benson was a former truck driver for Yellow Freight and a member of the Rock Springs Baptist Church, Forest Park GA.

He was survived by his wife Nancy Osborne Benson and their four children Chris Benson and his wife, Janet of Rock Hill SC; Joey Benson of Greenville SC; Cheryl Benson Schrenk and her husband Dennis of Lawrenceville GA and Mark Benson and his wife Yvonne of Canon; seven sisters and one brother; seven grandchildren and his dog, Buddy.

His family was the love of his life. His faith in Jesus Christ continued to strengthen his spirit every day. His hobbies were coin collecting, treasure hunting and his reading of the Bible. He lived a happy, faith filled life of 68 years.

Memorial services will be Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Chris Moore officiating.The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. prior to the memorial service.The family is at the home.Flowers optional, memorials may be made to the Hart Co. Humane Society, PO Box 1062. Hartwell GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.