Donald "Donnie" Wilson Benson, 81, of Waynesboro, passed at home on Saturday, October 3, 2020.

Donnie was born March 14, 1939 at home in Augusta County, the 7 ^th of 8 children to Stuart and Margaret Benson.

Throughout  his life, he loved being outdoors, which began as a boy when he lived on what is now known as Walnut Hills Campground. There, he fished and enjoyed nature.

Don attended Wilson Memorial High School, and obtained his GED. He majored in Liberal Arts at BRCC and he graduated from the first class of the Central Shenandoah Police Academy at BRCC. He held a certificate in arc welding. He was a certified Concrete Batcher and a Certified Concrete Technician for the Virginia Department of Highways.

Thru the years, Don was a minister, he worked at Reynolds Metals, Virginia MetalCrafters, Waynesboro Police Department, W.T. Wells and Mastic. But Don's passion was building. He was a brick and rock mason, a concrete finisher and a home builder. He was recognized in his 1971 Ford truck "Ole Red" with his friend and coworker, Robert Massie. He also built furniture throughout his life.

Don made many good friends thru every avenue of his life and never took them for granted. In his declining years, his friends were a major support to him.

Don was known to many children at church as the Candy Man. He often helped those stranded on the road. He'd drive them to a safe location often leaving them with a cap or gloves along with some money to help them continue on their way. He shared the "Pay it forward" belief to those he helped.

Don enjoyed hiking, 4-wheeling, visiting those in the hospital and the homebound. He enjoyed traveling to historic sites, parks, rivers and beaches. He enjoyed sitting on the porch looking at the mountains. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and meeting new people.

Don is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kay (Kennedy) Benson. Together, they raised their young family on a farmette in Augusta County teaching them to love, respect and care for farm animals and pets. He taught them gardening and how to raise and preserve food. He instilled in his children a strong work ethic and the love of God. He was so proud of all his children for their continued education and professional accomplishments as adults.

Don was preceded in death by an infant son, Rodney Wilson. He is survived by his children Robin (Angel) Calderin of Texas, Reggie (Gloria) Benson of Ohio, Penny (Jeff) Cooper of Waynesboro and Susanne (Mike) Storm of Oregon. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Christopher Calderin, and Angela Calderin of Texas, Meghan (Michael) Kennedy of Waynesboro, Jennifer (Garrett) Sargent and Julia (Caleb) Rogers of Ohio; 2 step-granddaughters, Andrea (Andy) Sawyer and Laura Cooper of Waynesboro; 3 great-grandchildren, Aubree Forbes, Morgan Kennedy and Annabelle; also a step-granddaughter, Sybil Sawyer.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery at the United Methodist Church in New Hope, Virginia. Rev. Tim Bohlmann, of Bethany Lutheran Church where Don attended church, will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Nelson Carter, George Coyner, Tony Farr, Steve Johnson, Brent McCallister, and Dean Smallwood.

The family sincerely thanks the dedicated and caring healthcare providers of Augusta Health and the Hospice of the Shenandoah for the care and compassion extended to Don.

In lieu of flowers, Don would want you to donate to a charity of your choice that benefits people or animals; the Hospice of the Shenandoah; or the Parkinson's Foundation.