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William Dudley "Bill" Benton of Dover, Delaware, passed away suddenly on January 21, 2025. Originally from Sudlersville, Maryland, Bill was beloved by many who knew him and will be remembered for his humor, faith, and generosity.
Bill is survived by his son William Robert Benton; his daughter Beverly Ann Leigh Opalka (Stephen); grandchildren Nathaniel Robert Benton, Patrick Lee Benton (Joanna), Christa Rose Leigh, and Paul Timothy Leigh (Suzanne); and greatgrandchildren Jacob Reese Leigh, Bennett Arthur Leigh, Isabella Ann Leigh, Anna Grace Benton, and Finnegan James Robert Benton. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, along with his "adopted" granddaughters, Tracey Phillips and Jennifer Cannon. He was predeceased by his dear wife, Anna Lane Benton.
A devoted Christian and faithful member of Templeville Community Church in Templeville, Maryland, Bill
as instrumental in re-opening the church alongside Anna. His faith inspired him to embark on mission trips to Mexico, Honduras, and Puerto Rico. He spent significant time in Puerto Rico working at the radio station WIVV with Anna and Beverly joining him there. Though he never mastered Spanish, he cherished his time in Mexico and returned often.
Bill had a remarkable willingness to open his home to others. After Anna's passing in 1991, he continued their shared work in prison ministry and offered transitional housing to those in need. He also established a college scholarship program in Anna's memory for students writing essays on Intelligent Design.
Professionally, Bill worked in electronics during the early days of television repair and later retired from the State of Delaware after maintaining police radio systems. A lover of gadgets and an avid sailor, he also enjoyed raising bees and organic gardening. His backyard orchard of cherries, peaches, pears, figs, and persimmons brought him joy as he shared its bounty freely.
Bill will be deeply missed by his breakfast companions, especially William "Bill" Knotts of Templeville, who endured countless stories and opinions with good humor. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
