Grady Ray Benton, Sr. “Ben” passed away April 13, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born in Lumberton, North Carolina to Manuel Barley and Ruby Mae Benton on January 7, 1935. Ben met and married the love of his life Barbara on Aug 31, 1967 and they moved to Arizona with their family in 1977. Ben proudly served over 20 years in the US Army. He loved to play the guitar, work on crossword puzzles and lived for sports. He loved his grandchildren dearly and never forgot their birthdays. Ben was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Barbara; his daughters Sharon, Jodi, Dianna, Mary and Renee; son Grady Jr; brothers Bobby, and Tommy; Sisters Agnus, Shelby and Linda; and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Manuel, mother Ruby, brothers HB, Winfred and Lacy; Sisters Mary Alma and Janice. Visitation will be held Friday, April 17, 2015 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM at Melcher Mortuary Chapel of the Roses 43 S. Stapley Dr. Mesa, AZ 85204. Ben will be laid to rest at 1:30 PM at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, Arizona. Please visit www.MelcherChapelOfRoses.com to share memories or leave condolences.