Ronald "Toby" Benfield

Ronald "Toby" Benfield, 66, of Morganton died Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at Burke Palliative Care Center in Valdese following a period of declining health. He was born August 2, 1944 in Burke County, and was a son of Ruby Benfield. Toby was a member of Zion Baptist Church. He was employed by Duke Power Company for 15 years, and later worked at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center and Broughton Hospital.In addition to his mother, Toby is survived by sons and their significant others, Brian Benfield and Natasha Street of the home, and Don Howard and Debbie Benfield of Morganton; a daughter and her significant other, April Benfield and Johnny Surratt of Morganton; grandchildren, Kristen, David, Aubrey, and Patience Benfield, Tabitha and Alex Surratt, and David Howard; a brother, Don Benfield of Spruce Pine; half-brothers, Billy Ray Powell and Michael Powell, both of Charlotte; a half-sister, Suzie Stillwell of Mt. Holly, NC; many other loving family members; and life-long friends, Bruce Sisk, Ronnie Fox, Bob Brackett, and Bill Whisnant.Toby was preceded in death by his wife, Trudy Howard Benfield; and a half-brother, J. C. Powell.Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, August 21, 2010 at Zion Baptist Church with Reverends Steve Parker and David Orders officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites conducted by the Marine Corps League Table Rock Detachment #1197. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. Friday at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church 30 minutes before the funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center Building Fund, 3394 Pea Ridge Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.