Robert H. ''Bobby'' Benford, 59, of 1301 Carolina Rest Home Rd, Roanoke Rapids, passed away Friday, September 25, 2009 at Halifax Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.

Bobby was born August 21, 1950 and was the son of the late Ewing A. Benford and Margaret Willey Benford. He was a resident of this area for most of his life. He spent many years working in the restaurant business before retiring from Schlage Lock Company in Rocky Mount. He was an active member of the Church of the Advent Episcopal Church in Enfield and was active in community outreach for Christian affairs. He was preceded in death by his father, Ewing A. Benford.

Bobby is survived by his mother, Margaret W. Benford; his brother, Jerry A. Benford; and a special friend and cousin, Ann S. Smith, all of Roanoke Rapids.

Graveside services will be held Monday, September 28, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the Willey Family Cemetery on Justice Branch Road in Enfield, NC. The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery.