Redell Benton was born on September 2, 1947, to the late Edward and Annie Mae Benton in Springfield, TN. Redell transitioned peacefully on October 18, 2023, at Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ella Katherine Benton Baugh and Nettie Benton; three brothers, Russell Henry Benton, Jewel Edward Benton and Roy Clifton Benton.
He left Springfield upon graduation from Bransford High School in 1965—attended West Kentucky Vocational School, Paducah, KY and graduated with a diploma in Electronics in 1967. In 1971, he was offered employment at the Paducah Fire Department and accepted. It takes a special individual to enroll and continue in the profession of firefighting. He went through all the ranks (Private, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief and Chief). He made many sacrifices and attended many workshops, seminars and classes to enhance his efficiency at the fire department.
He accepted Christ as his Personal Savior at an early age, and was baptized at Fairview Baptist Church in Springfield, TN. Later he united with Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Paducah, KY and was a faithful member, serving on the deacon board and as past chairman, Sunday School teacher, and male chorus. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was Past Master of Stone Square lodge #5, Free and Accepted Masons, past chairman of Jurisprudence Committee-State of Kentucky for Prince Hall Masons, past Commander-In-Chief of Paducah Consistory #92 Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rites Masons, Grand Inspector General – 33rd Degree, a member of Royal Arch Masons and a member of Knights Templar.
He received many awards of excellence for hard work and dedication in various areas, with the most recent being the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award – January 2002, for becoming Paducah’s first African American Fire Chief.
He leaves to cherish his memories: A Devoted Wife, Stella Benton of Paducah; Two Sons, Tony (Regan) Benton of Port Richey, FL and Michael Benton of Paducah; Two Grandsons, Jordan Benton and Jamal Benton both of Port Richey, FL; A Brother, John (Edna) Benton of Springfield,
TN; A Sister, Evon (Bruce) Maxwell of Brentwood, TN; and A Host of Other Relatives and Friends.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, November 4, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Calvin R. Cole, Sr., and Reverend Dennis Gray officiating. Burial will follow in Maplelawn Park Cemetery
Family will receive friends on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.
