Services are scheduled for 11:00 Friday at Priest Creek Missionary Baptist Church for Mr. Frankie L. Benton, Sr., 93, of Hattiesburg, who died October 31, 2020 at Forrest General Hospital.

Reverend Arthur L. Siggers will officiate.

Interment will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 8:00 - 10:30 Friday for the public.

Frankie L. Benton, Sr. was born May 22, 1927 to George and Drucillia Benton in Quitman, MS. He was preceded in death by his 3 siblings, Georgia Mae Benton, Luella Booth, June Benton, and his son, Frankie L. Benton, Jr.

Frankie L. Benton, Sr was a civic-minded activist in community affairs. He had a love for his church, his community, and his family. He always showed concerns for all people and never had a problem voicing his concerns.

Frankie was a lifetime member of the NAACP, a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, and a member of the Hattiesburg Club for Improvement (HACCI). He served his country by serving in the United States Navy. His community involvement included being a Board member for the 1st Community Action Program, a member of the Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development and the Construction Board for the City of Hattiesburg and was President of Concerned Citizens of Palmers Crossing.

Frankie had many successful businesses. He operated the 1st Parcel Delivery service in Hattiesburg, MS. He was the 1st African American to operate a license/bonded car dealership in Hattiesburg, MS. Frankie owned the 1st African American janitorial services business in Hattiesburg, MS. Also, he owned and operated a coin-operated laundry mat. Frankie developed Benton Estates Subdivision located in Palmer’s Crossing. He established Benton Enterprises which encompassed Benton Trucking, Benton Demolition Services, and Benton Construction Company.

He served on the Advisory Board for Governor Bill Allain, and he was nominated by Governor Cliff Finch as Entrepreneur of the Year. He was the recipient of a humanitarian award from Mrs. Kirk Fordice, and a recipient of the Good Services Award from South Central Bell Telephone Company.

Frankie was one of the 1st African Americans registered to vote and run for a Public Office in Forrest County, MS.

Frankie L. Benton, Sr is survived by his wife, Doris Wolverton-Benton of Hattiesburg, MS and children: Donna K. Benton of Atlanta, GA, Bryan K. Benton of Jacksonville, FL, Sherri E. Benton-White of Hattiesburg, MS, Anita F. Benton of Woodbridge, VA, Julius Johnson of Minnesota, George Arnold of Metarie, LA, Cheryl Guy, Atlanta, GA, Michael Arnold, TX, Donnias Wolverton of Hattiesburg, and a host of other relatives and friends.