June 30, 2026, 83, Goldsboro – Kenneth Earl Benton, known to many as “Dr. Ken” passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026 just a few days prior to his 84th birthday.
Ken was born on July 11, 1942 in Goldsboro, NC. He was the beloved son of Lenwood Earl Benton and Gertha Ginn Benton. He spent his early years in Goldsboro working at his dad’s service station and harvesting crops with his mom during the summer. But Ken exhibited a thirst for knowledge. Rather than seeing knowledge as a destination he embraced the ongoing journey of learning, educating and ministering that allowed his life to impact those around him.
He studied eagerly and became a lifelong learner acquiring new skills and perspectives to make himself and his professional teams more effective: He earned his Doctorate in Education at Duke University, Education Specialist in Administration, Master of Arts in Educational Administration both at East Carolina, Bachelor of Arts in English at Campbell University, and Bachelor of Science in Psychology, as well as Bachelor of Science in Religion, both at Mount Olive.
Ken’s years of service in education began and grew in Eastern North Carolina. He served in various educational settings including teaching at Irwin Junior High School, Administrator for Cumberland County Schools, Adjunct Professor for Golden Gate University, Fayetteville State University, Central Carolina Community College and Campbell University and Headmaster at Cape Fear Christian Academy.
Beyond possessing a brilliant mind, disarming wit and an empathetic heart, Ken had an entrepreneur mindset, a Benton trait that defined his life. Ken went on to pursue a career in educational leadership as the Founder and President of Academics Plus, Inc. and Academic Abundance, Inc.
Ken was passionate about His Lord and His church. His unwavering faith is the foundation upon which he built his life and that passion allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life, cultures and social classes as evidenced in his Ministerial roles. He served in numerous capacities at First Free Will Baptist Church in Goldsboro before moving into Ministry at Oak Grove OFWB Church in Newton Grove, Shady Grove OFWB Church in Spivey’s Comer and West Clinton OFWB Church in Clinton. He never turned down an opportunity to share the gospel and often filled the pulpit as needed at numerous churches. He was the President of Cape Fear Conference Ministers Association and served as a Chaplain at Sampson Regional Medical Center.
With Marilyn by his side, Ken became an active participant in community engagement and public participation through Civic Involvement in every community where he lived. Of the many civic and community opportunities in which he participated, the dearest to him was Rotary. Ken was an active member of the Clinton Sampson Rotary Club and had served as Club President and many other roles within the club. His weekly Leadership Minute was introduced with a lively dance party song just to liven up the meeting. He also served as Assistant Governor for Area 7 of District 7730, an opportunity of service he greatly enjoyed.
As a member and former Board Chairman of the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, Ken was able to be an influencer in decisions that impacted the most vulnerable members of any community. During his tenure on the Board, money was raised to build much-needed new housing for the children being served. More recently, Ken found great pleasure in attending weekly prayer sessions with 2.42 Clergy, a group of ministers from various churches in Clinton and Sampson County. He found great peace as he met weekly with his fellow brothers and sisters in the ministry.
Ken is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Marilyn Crumpler Benton, his soul mate for almost 39 years; two daughters Christie Benton Compeau (Jim) and Kendra Miletello (Sal); six grandchildren Christopher Compeau, Trevor Compeau, Faith Lewis (Marshal), Hope Garcia (Jack), Samuel Miletello (Maryl), and Luke Miletello, and great grandchildren Lake and Lynx; brother Michael Benton (Phyllis); and sister Anna McFalls (Russell) and many nieces and nephews who fondly referred to him as Uncle Kenny.
Ken’s life was richly blessed by his brother-in-law Charlie Crumpler who was like a son to him and Melanie, and niece and nephews Charlie, Elizabeth and Jackson Crumpler, all who will forever cherish his memory. A special thanks to you from Ken and Marilyn for being on call and answering every call… every time … with steadfastness, patience and love.
In addition to his family, Ken leaves behind the church he has pastored for the last nine years. The West Clinton OFWB Church congregation is made up of faithful and dedicated servants of the Lord. He loved the West Clinton Congregation and they loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they, too, grieve this loss.
Ken was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Donald Keith Benton.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at Seymour Funeral Home on Monday, July 6, 2026 from 6:00 — 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 11 a.m. at First Free Will Baptist Church, Goldsboro, NC. with the Interment following at Willowdale Cemetery.
We invite family and friends to join us in remembering and celebrating Ken’s life.
Memorials may be sent in Ken’s memory to the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27557 or to the OFWB International (Foreign Missions), PO Box 39, Ayden, NC 28513.
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