Tribute for Barry Benton
A Dynamic Force
by Fred Knopper
He lived according to the same impeccable values and stellar character traits as Medal of Honor recipient, Desmond Doss. His life exhibited courage, conviction, integrity, humility, selflessness, faith and patriotism. The only difference was that Barry Benton believed in carrying a sidearm. As a trained Army Ranger, he owned a house full of various weapons and knew how to use them. He even carried a gun along with his Bible to church. Barry’s aim was on maintaining security.
I well remember my first visit to his house. Barry was a bit shorter than I am, but he was still quite imposing. He exuded power and a no-nonsense vibe. At times I even felt like he could be somewhat intimidating. He was a warrior and perhaps that instilled in me a slight bit of fear in his presence—his commanding presence.
Thus, sitting at his dining table that day, the first thing he said was that he could reach any of half a dozen firearms within two steps from where he was sitting, plus he had a gun under the table. Well, now I was truly scared to say anything wrong, for fear of getting shot. In contrast, I never had that kind of fear sitting at the dining room table in the house of Desmond Doss.
I first learned of Barry when I joined the Georgia-Cumberland Conference in the mid-1990s to serve as a communication director. I found out that Barry prepared a lot of the legal documents for the conference trust department. So, I asked if he would be willing to write a few short articles for the conference newsletter, which he did.
How many of you remember Y2K? During that final year of the last millennium, Desmond Doss walked into my office with a request. He and his wife would drive to Atlanta from time to time and swing by the conference office to see John Swafford and me. John and I would pray with them each time. But on this day, Desmond raised a question. “I have seen some of the video programs you send to the churches. Would you please consider doing a video on my life story?”
Wow, what an honor. That request led to the creation of the Desmond Doss Council and Barry was one of the founding members of that group. He provided his unique guidance and leadership, and especially his counsel and advice on any of the legal aspects. Without Barry, I doubt the documentary The Conscientious Objector, nor the movie, Hacksaw Ridge would have ever happened.
Barry was an organizer, a facilitator and the person who would push the group off dead center and into action whenever the doldrums hit and the sails lacked wind to propel us forward. He had the ability to inspire and motivate. Barry was a dynamic force.
More than once, he instructed me as to what needed to be done, both privately and publicly. He was not hesitant in telling me what I should do next. But he never called me by my given name. If you were a friend, Barry gave you a nickname, based on how he perceived you or how he profiled you.
Early on, Barry discovered I was born in the Netherlands. Thus, his nickname for me was Dutch Underground. He told me that was a compliment, since he held the Dutch Underground in high regard. However, I can’t remember if I ever told him my grandfather and two uncles actually participated in the Dutch Underground during WWII.
So, whether he was talking to me, or about me, or texting me or sending an email, it was always—”Dutch Underground.” I believe it was his term of endearment. Barry was my mentor, my advisor, my guide and my friend. Above all, Barry led by example and always demonstrated an attitude of service—and fatherly love.
Just a few days before he passed, I had the opportunity to see Barry and Sandy again. We reminisced a bit and we prayed. I saw him smile. I saw his pensive eyes focused on me—beyond which I saw his pain. But like a true soldier, he barely let on about his pain. His gaze was pointed toward the future. His true focus was on the eternal.
Like Paul, Barry’s counsel to us today would be these Biblical words: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV
Like Paul, Barry can also say, The time my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 ESV
Rest in peace Barry. We will see you at the resurrection.
You can watch Barry’s recorded service here…
You may also want to visit and read the life story of this great man who impacted many lives CLICK HERE.
