LOUISBURG - Wayne Dixon Benton, 90, of Louisburg, died Sunday afternoon.

Wayne was a son of the late Rig and Ina M. Benton. He was preceded in death by wife of 63 years, Helen S. Benton, and his brother, Lowell Benton. Wayne graduated from Atlantic Christian College and received a Masters degree from East Carolina University in History. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. He was a History Professor at Louisburg College for over 40 years until his retirement.

Wayne was the head basketball coach at Newport High School, Swansboro High School and Louisburg College. His 1953 Newport Team won the Boys 1A State Championship and his 1960 Louisburg College Team went to the Final Eight of the N.J.C. A.A. Tournament.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at Oakwood Cemetery with the Rev. Mike Safley officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Wayne is survived by his son, Warren Benton and companion, Heidi Ruchti of Charlotte; granddaughter, Jordan Ruchti of Charlotte; nieces and nephews Jim Smith, Wanda Forrest, Cathy Dunbar, Al Spruill, Julia Tingle, Linda Burton, and Raymond Tingle, Mike Bottoms, and Gwen Messer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Louisburg College, 501 N. Main St., Louisburg, NC 27549.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

Paid Obituary