Arthur Benson
Dr. Arthur J. Benson, 89, of 119 W. Broadway St., Athens, WV, died Monday, April 6, 2009, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg, VA.
Born November 17, 1919, in Marion County, GA, he was the son of the late Turner and Grace McCorkle Benson. He was a 1939 graduate of Georgia Southwestern College and began his life-long career in education at Cross Roads School in Taylor County, GA, where he served as teacher and principal from 1940-1942. During World War II, he was called to honorably serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946.
He received a B.S. Degree in Education in 1946 and a Master's Degree in Education in 1948 from the University of Georgia. He then became Superintendent of Schools in Marion County, GA, and held this position from 1948-1960. During this time, he was also an Adjunct Professor at University of Georgia, Columbus Center. In 1960, he earned his Doctorate in Education from Auburn University.
Dr. Benson was Professorial Lecturer, at American University, Ft. Benning, GA, Branch from 1960-1964, and also served as District Supervisor for the Georgia Department of Education during this time. In 1964, he and his family moved to Athens and Dr. Benson began his distinguished tenure at Concord College in Athens, WV. From 1964-1985, he served as Professor of Education and Chair of the Division of Education, Physical Education, and Library Science, and Director of Teacher Education. In 1985, Dr. Benson was named Professor Emeritus at Concord University.
He formerly served as Director of Georgia Education Association, and President of Georgia Association of County School Superintendents. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Parents Teacher Association, a member of Kappa Delta Pi Honorary Education Fraternity, and Phi Delta Kappa where he served as President of the Bluefield, WV, Chapter. He was an Honorary Life Time Member of the Athens, WV, Lions Club and received the Leonard Jarrett Award in 2003-2004. He was a dedicated member of Athens Baptist Church where he served on the Board of Deacons and was named Deacon Emeritus.
In keeping with their wishes, they have been cremated and a memorial service honoring the lives of Arthur and Irene Benson will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 2, 2009, at Athens Baptist Church, Athens, WV, with Pastor Charles Drake officiating.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 16, 2009, at the Ramah Church Cemetery in Buena Vista, GA, with Pastors David Chapman and Charles Drake officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthur J. and Irene K. Benson Scholarship Fund, Concord University Foundation, P.O. Box 1405, Athens, WV 24712, or Athens Baptist Church, P.O. Box 728, Athens, WV 24712.