Johnny Lewis Benfield, age 88, of the Skitts Mountain Community of Cleveland, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
Born in Hiawassee, Georgia on June 22, 1937, Johnny was the only child of the late Robert Benfield and Stella Woodring Benfield. A hardworking and devoted family man, Johnny retired from Schnadig Furniture Company following 32 years of faithful and dedicated service. He was known by many as a talented handyman who could fix just about anything, and he found great joy in the simple pleasures of life — especially fishing, spending time with family and friends, and gathering around a card table for a lively game of “Pizza Pizza.”
Above all else, Johnny treasured his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, a caring father, and a proud Papa whose gentle spirit, wisdom, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His life was marked by kindness, humility, hard work, and unwavering love for those closest to him.
Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Linda Elrod Benfield of Cleveland, Georgia; daughter and son-in-law, Sherry & Ken Chalkley of Athens, Tennessee; son and daughter-in-law, Rev. Terry & Tammy Benfield of Baldwin, Georgia; grandchildren, Justin & Ellen Benfield, Makayla & Matt Graham, and Colton Chalkley; great-grandchildren, Owen Benfield and Maybelle Graham.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Bro. Clarence Reynolds and Rev. Ricky Elrod officiating. Interment will follow in the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. John Graham and Bishop Kevin Magness officiating at the graveside.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
An online guest registry is available for the Benfield family at McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, (706) 778-8668, is in charge of arrangements.
