I had the pleasure of caring for Mr. Benson at his “end of life” coming to the hospital for his paracentesis.  We shared a passion for music,  as he knew my orchestra instructor. He spoke highly of his family and loved ones. He had such a brilliant memory!! I wish his family much peace and comfort and glad I got to meet and care for him… such a sweet man!

I just got off the phone with my father Spencer Mims Jr.  He shared some great memories about how he and Ed met,  studied music and performed together at East Carolina in the  late 1940's.  They, and several other fellow music majors (including Don Adcock and Bill Glasgow) "lived large" in the top floor of "Mrs.  Skinner's place" in Greenville (visualize the antics...).  This started a long friendship that continued when our families both eventually landed in Charlotte.  Our family fondly remembers our vacations to Myrtle Beach together in the 1960's.  Ed was a hot trombone player and a fine music educator.   As you can read from the comments on this page, his teaching influence will continue through others onward for generations.   As my father related, we will remember Ed's kindness, sense of humor and contributions to the field of music education.    

I first met “Mr. Benson”  in the fall of 1966 at Alexander Graham Jr. High as he was my 7th grade band director.  15 years later he and Barbara Koesjan took a chance on me and hired me to reach elementary band and orchestra in CMS.   He was always so supportive and insightful as to how to solve the “problem of the day,” and I so appreciated his presence in my classroom over the years.  Rest in peace, Ed. ❤️

Ed Benson was the first person who came to my bandroom at Olympic High School in 1969, my first year teaching. He took me under his wing and guided me through the early years of my career. His grace, genuine concern and positive support helped me make it through lots of early mistakes. Ed Benson, a TRUE gentleman in every sense of the word. RIP Ed.

Ed Benson is one of my heroes. I had the pleasure of meeting "Mr. Benson" in 1977 as a student at Independence. Then I was hired by Ed and Barbara K. ("Grandma") back in 1987 to teach band and orchestra at Northwest MS. As a new hire, I was blessed to have Ed come by and observe my classes. Afterwards, I heard what I now know was "wisdom." Ed, taught me to hear when my mind was full of noise (stressed by the challenges of teaching). He taught me that every student needs to walk out of each rehearsal a bit better off for attending it. I still measure my success as a teacher by that one. Even after he retired, he would come out to clinic my bands. He was a pro. He has been missed, and will be missed. I thank God for every memory I have of Ed. 

I have such vivid memories of Ed visiting my classroom and “telling us like it was”.   I learned SO much from him, even though he taught Band and I taught Orchestra.  He had a heart of gold and was always willing to find a way to help a student, teacher or program.   I loved his infectious smile.  CMS was never the same after he retired.  I was blessed to also work with his lovely wife and teach his beautiful granddaughter.  I’m sure he’ll be a leading member of God’s heavenly band!

I am grateful to the enormous influence of Ed Benson on my career as a band director.  In my first 5 years of teaching, Ed was a huge support and encouragement for me.  I will never forget his kindness, the times he challenged me , and his innate sense of humor.  The music in heaven just got a little bit sweeter.

 It is very sad to see Mr.  Benson's passing.  I am very happy he was my band director in the late 60's in Charlotte.  He will be missed.  May peace and God's loving Grace be with his wife Nan and their family.   What a great time he had on this earth...now, the best of the best for him.    

OBITUARY

Edward Darrell Benson

August 28, 1926 – August 21, 2020

McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel

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