William C. Benton, III (Bill/Chap) was born December 12, 1940 in Mansfield, Georgia.  Bill graduated from High School and at the age of seventeen attended The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.  After graduating in 1962 he began his flight career training in a T-28 Trojan training aircraft before eventually flying S-2E tracker aircrafts off the USS Essex and other various aircraft carriers.  Bill also trained future pilots until 1968.

While in the Naval Reserves Bill achieved the rank of Captain and flew P2 & P3 planes as a Naval Reserve Pilot throughout the early 1990s.  He enjoyed his career as a commercial aviation pilot flying Boeing 727s, 737s and Folker F28s for TWA, Piedmont Airlines, and US Airways before retiring in 2000. 

In addition to his parents Elaine Conwell Benton and William C. Benton Jr., Bill is preceded in death by his daughter Marybeth Benton; his brother, Jeff Benton; and his sister, Martha Lane.

Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years Jane E. Martin, his sister June Webb, and his son Stephen (Steve).  He also enjoyed spending time with his two grandchildren, Gavin Benton, and Haley Benton.  Bill leaves behind many family members and friends that cherished and loved him.

A memorial service will be held at Beach Funeral Home, 1689 S. Patrick Drive, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM. An inurnment will take place at the Church of Our Saviour Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5301 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, Florida at 1:30 PM with Military Honor accorded by the U.S Navy Honor Guard and North Brevard Firing Squad.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org.