Robert Haney Benfield ’49

Robert Haney Benfield ’49, of Charlotte, N.C., was born on Oct. 17, 1920, in Mooresville, N.C., and died peacefully on May 7. He was the son of the late James Gilmer Benfield and Laura Ellen Miller Benfield. In addition to his parents, Benfield was preceded in death by a brother, Harry G. Benfield, and two sisters, Elizabeth B. Gabriel and Sara B. Wright. Benfield enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school, where he served for four years during WWII. Following the war, he attended Davidson and went on to graduate from the Emory University School of Dentistry. He practiced dentistry in Charlotte from 1952-98. Benfield was a member of the N.C. Dental Society and served as president of the Mecklenburg County Dental Society. Benfield was very active in the Boy Scouts. He was an Eagle Scout and was particularly proud that his sons had attained the same rank. He also enjoyed woodworking, travel, Davidson basketball, collecting antiques, and collecting just about anything else. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Shirley White Benfield, 8919 Park Rd., Apt. 8014, Charlotte, NC 28210-7639; daughter, Laura Benfield Thompson (Bill); sons, Robert Haney Benfield, Jr. (Stephanie) and James Earl Benfield; and six grandchildren, Hannah Thompson ’06, Anne Claire Thompson, Davis Benfield, Lindsey Benfield, Robert H. Benfield III, and Beverly Benfield. Memorials may be made to Davidson College, Box 7174, Davidson, NC 28035-7174.