Rayner Hall Benson, age 96 of Ellijay, Georgia passed on Thursday, February 12th, 2015, from the Gilmer Nursing Home.He was born September 13th, 1918 in Silver Creek, Mississippi to his late parents Rayner Hall Benson Sr. and Gweldon Eudora Richards. Mr. Benson attended and was a past member of Columbia Drive Baptist Church in Decatur, GA., First Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA., Beecher Hills Baptist Church in S.W. Atlanta, New Bethany Baptist Church in Buford, GA., and First Baptist Church of Ellijay. A graduate of Silver Creek High School Class of 1936, Mr. Benson was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1940 and was sen to Australia and New Guinea where he fought at Guadalcanal. He contracted malaria and was sent back to Atlanta, GA. to Fort McPherson where he met his future wife. He was employed as a Customer Service Manager for almost 30 years at Rich’s Department Store. and after moving to Lake Lanier he worked as manager of the Days Inn located in Suwanee, GA. He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Lois Ewing Benson and son Drewry Hall Benson. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ellijay, 164 Dalton St., Ellijay, GA., 30540.

Suvivors include daughter and son-in-law Bliss B. & James H. Cole of Ellijay, GA.; grand daughter and in-law Jennifer and Chad Miller of Roswell, GA.; great grand daughters Annabeth and Caroline Miller; great grand son Cole Miller.

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, February 15th, 2015 from Logan Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Bradley officiating. Military rites by the North Georgia Honor Guard will be performed at the chapel following the service. Graveside Interment Service will be held at Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, GA.at 12:00 Noon, Monday, February 16th, 2015.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, February 15, 2015, at Logan Funeral Home, prior to the funeral service.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.loganfuneralhome.com