Earl Raymond Benningfield, Jr., age 79, of Claymont, DE passed away on Friday July 29, 2022.
Mr. Benningfield graduated from Chester High School in 1961 and graduated with a Business Degree from Delaware Technical & Community College in 1973. In addition, he was a proud member of the Free Masons.
He began his life of service by enlisting in the United States Navy and honorably serving from 1961 to 1965 and then with the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1965 to 1967. Upon conclusion of his admirable military service, he worked as a Manufacturing Manager for Electric Hose & Rubber Company in Wilmington and Rodel, Inc. of Newark, DE. After retiring from the manufacturing industry, he opened the Club Avenue Barber Shop in Claymont, DE. His barber shop quickly became known as a social gathering place for many local residents looking for great service and entertaining conversation of current events and stories by fellow veterans. Several of his clients affectionately referred to Earl as the “unofficial Mayor of Claymont”.
On his rare days off, Earl could often be found at the residences and nursing homes of former customers who were unable to travel to his shop giving them haircuts and personal care, typically free of charge. Along with the love he had for his own dogs, he also rescued dogs that otherwise would have been homeless or abandoned.
A dedicated family man, Earl took great pleasure in coaching his son in youth baseball and in later years attending the many activities of his grandchildren. An avid fan of “oldies” music, he often stated “they just don’t make music like that anymore”.
He is survived by his wife Carole A., whom he adored throughout their 59 years of marriage; daughters Betty Golden and Tammy Marek; son Lee Benningfield; brothers Bobby and Lee A. Benningfield; sister Lynne Corish; as well as six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
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