Albert Leon Benford, Sr.

OBITUARY
Albert Leon Benford

Albert Leon Benford was born April 1, 1933 in Hamilton County, Tennessee to the late Willie Ed and Nellie Mae Lloyd Benford.

Albert accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Beulah Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He sang in the choir, attended Sunday school, and was very active in church. Albert attended Chattanooga Public Schools and graduated.

Thereafter, he worked at Mueller Casting and his cousin’s business, Crombies Funeral Home, also in Chattanooga, TN.

Albert married Lesie Lee Johnson in 1952. Three children were born to this union: Albert Leon Benford Jr., Wanda Faye Benford and Monica Benford (deceased).

The U.S. Army drafted Albert in 1953; he served during the Korean War Conflict era as a medical technician. Private First Class Benford was stationed at Camp Picket Medical Training Center in Blackstone, Virginia. He traveled to France, Germany and Italy during his military tour. His army division awarded him with the trophy, “Best Rifleman on the Premises.” This recognition was a memorable honor in his military service. Albert received an Honorable Discharge in 1955; and thereafter, relocated to Cleveland, Ohio.

Albert worked at the former J&L Steel, where he was promoted to foreman. He was one of the first blacks elevated to this position in the company. Albert also worked at Chase Brass & Cooper. Thereafter, he worked at Hertz Corporation in various capacities, including quality control and bus driver. He retired from Hertz Corporation after 30 years of service.

Mr. Benford, a member of more than 34 years, joined Lee Road Baptist Church, June 7, 1981. He served on the Board of Trustees, sang with the men’s chorus and attended bible study. He chaired the stewardship committee when the first mortgage was burned under the leadership of Reverend William E. Sanders.

Albert, a caring father and loving husband, freely spoke the word of God. The saying “he never met a stranger,” best describes Albert’s friendly outlook and unselfish approach to helping others.

Albert Leon Benford departed this life December 26, 2015. His brother, Willie Ed Benford III, sister Patricia Ann Clark, and granddaughter Lakisha Hinton, preceded him in death.

Albert leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory: devoted wife of 63 years, Lesie Lee Johnson-Benford; loving son, Albert Benford Jr. (Cris); loving daughter, Wanda Faye Benford; four grandchildren, Dawon, Kimberly, Larry Jr., and Tiffany; eight great-grandchildren, Torrean, Jaya, Madison, MaKensie, Faith, Seth, Nava and Leah; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

We saw your integrity and principled living.
With God’s grace we embrace your memory as an example of how we should
treat one another. Albert, you will be dearly missed. Absent from the body,
present with God – your spirit lives on in all of us.
Husband, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, nephew…
your spirit lives on through us.

Lovingly Submitted, The Family