Michael Dennis Benton, 71, of Blythewood, died Monday, February 19, 2024. He was born to the late Claudia Richardson Benton and William Edward Benton, Sr. on June 13th, 1952 in Richland County, SC.

Michael proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1974 until 1984. He then had a long career as a corrections officer with the SC Department of Corrections.

He is survived by his brothers, William Timothy Benton and Billy Wayne Benton; Sister-in-law, Vicki Benton; nieces, April, Joy, and Kayla (Tyler); and nephews, William, James, and Nick.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth Benton, Tommy Frances Benton, and William Edward Benton, Jr.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 10:30 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Michael's name to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116; or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284.