Benny Joe Lunsford

Benny Joe Lunsford, Sr., 67, of Gastonia, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends on May 23, 2023.

Benny was born in Gastonia on March 19^th, 1956, son to the late John Douglas Lunsford and Helen Perry Lunsford Willis. In addition to his parents, Benny was preceded in death by his brother, Douglas "Chubby" Lunsford, sisters Theresa Lunsford Greene and "Punkin" Denise Lunsford, and step-father Larry Willis.

Benny Joe will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his willingness to help out anyone in need, and his friendly smile and bright blue eyes. Benny loved listening to music by George Jones and Jamey Johnson, especially at his favorite hangout, Good Time Charlies. Benny retired from Freightliner after many years of service. He enjoyed going to Carolina Speedway and was an avid NASCAR fan. He also enjoyed car shows, motorcycles and turkey shoots. Above all else, Benny loved spending time with his wife and children, and especially his beloved grandchildren, Jovie and Ben. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother.

Benny is survived by his wife of 43 years, Melinda Maddox Lunsford; daughter, Tracie Lynn Lunsford Ogden (Benji); son, Ben Lunsford, Jr; wonderful grandchildren, Ben Lunsford, and Jovielynn Ogden; brothers Bobby Lunsford (Mae), Pete Willis (Amy), John David Lunsford (Denise); sisters Linda Willis, and Rita Lunsford, and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life service will be 12:00 p.m., Friday, May 26^th at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Jim Sawyer and Kenneth “Firestone” Barker officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 1774 Filbert Hwy., York, SC.

Pallbearers will be Pete Willis, Shea Willis, Ben Lunsford, Tommy Beach, John Toler, and Daniel McIntosh.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com 

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.