John Townsend Benton

John Townsend Benton, 80, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community in West Columbia, S.C. on Thursday, April 7 2022, after a long illness. He was the loving husband of Mary Lou (Quin) Benton for 34 years.

Johnny was born in Columbia and was the son of the late William S. (Bill) and Ellen Legare (Jill) Townsend. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Columbia, S.C. throughout his life. He also attended the Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church in SE Columbia.

Johnny graduated from Dreher High School, Columbia, S.C. in 1960, and the University of South Carolina with a BA in English and a MA in Teaching Social Studies where he was a member of the SAE fraternity.

He began his teaching career in Sumter, S.C. at Lincoln High School in Sumter District 17 where he taught English. When he returned to Columbia, S.C., he taught in Richland #2 in Blythewood, Dent Middle School and lastly Richland NE High School where he taught History, American Government, Civics, Economics until his retirement in 1995 after 31 years of teaching. He was a lifetime member of the National Education Association, the S.C. Education Association and Richland County Education Association.

He was also a member of the S.C. Air National Guard in Medical Administration at McEntire ANG Base. He carried his guard skills into volunteer work registering patients at the Free Medical Clinic in Columbia.

Johnny was a charter member of the St. Andrews Society of Columbia and also a member of the Saraband Club, the Quadrille Club, the Columbia Ball and Forest Lake Club.

He attended Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia for one year. He was a graduate of the 4-year Education for Ministry (EFM) program administered by the School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee, TN. It was at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia where, as a young man, Johnny concentrated on youth outreach and assisted with the group of young people called TEAM. During this time he made many lasting lifetime friendships with TEAM youth. He attended and was active in the Cursillo movement. His special place was Kanuga Episcopal Conferences in Hendersonville, N.C. where he spent many summers working as a youth and later attending inspiring conferences and relaxing at summer programs with Mary Lou. For a number of years, he served on their Board of Visitors. Highland Lake, near Kanuga, was also enjoyed with family for many years. Johnny and Mary Lou also loved to travel and visited Spain, Italy and Ireland, as well as New England, and several western states.

Johnny was a disciplined exerciser with daily warm ups, running and swimming. He loved to read, especially history and was very knowledgeable on the history of Edisto Island, S.C. His Townsend family originally resided at Bleak Hall on Botany Bay, now a South Carolina state park. He loved and pampered his dogs over the years, especially Reilly, an Australian Terrier that he carted everywhere he went.

In addition to his wife, Mary Lou, Johnny is survived by his stepdaughter, Christine Hunter Commins (Elizabeth Norman); stepson, Lt. Col. John E. Commins, PA ANG (Dr. Heidi Commins); four step-grandchildren, Hunter and Steven Commins and Brooke and Finn Commins; sister, Legare Benton Head; niece, Caroline Head Knox; two great-nephews, Turner and Henry Knox and great-niece, Eleanor Knox; brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Tsuyako Quin. Johnny was predeceased by his older brother, William Benton; brothers-in-law, CAPT Thomas A. Head, USN, and James G. Quin. He is survived by his many cousins from his tight knit family, and friends including his special family friend, Harriott Faucette.

A special thanks goes to the nursing staff and caregivers at Still Hopes who, over the years, gave Johnny and his family such consideration and support. A special thanks goes to Vicky Young and Robert Sumpter for dedicating so much time and care and to Ashley Flemon who shared her joyful presence and commitment until her own passing.

A burial liturgy will be held at Keenan Chapel, Trinity Cathedral, Columbia, on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. There will be a graveside service on Saturday. April 30, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity churchyard, 1589 Hwy 174, Edisto Island, SC 29438. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel in Columbia is responsible for local arrangements.

Contributions can be made in Johnny’s memory to Kanuga Conferences, 130 Kanuga Chapel Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.