Barry Benefield

COLUMBIANA…Mr. Barry Paige Benefield, age 73 of Columbiana, Alabama (formerly of Ozark) passed away Friday, August 26, 2022, at Grandview Medical Center in Hoover, Alabama following emergency brain surgery after suffering an accidental fall at his home.

A Celebration of Barry’s life will be held on September 24, 2022, at Gulf Shores Plantation, 400 Plantation Road (Ft. Morgan Rd.) Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542. Family and friends will gather for the celebration between 4:00 and 6:00 pm prior to the memorial service on the beach at 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that memorials be made to the Shelby County Humane Society, 381 McDow Rd., Columbiana, Al., 35051 or to your favorite charity.

Barry was born August 9, 1949, to the late A. L. Benefield, Jr. and Betty Jane Ward Benefield. He attended the Ozark public schools and was a graduate of Huntingdon College in Montgomery and the University of Alabama.  He was a licensed mental health professional serving both families and Individuals.  He served many years as a Juvenile Probation Officer for the Courts in Montgomery and Dale Counties before moving to Panama City, Florida where he continued his practice as a licensed mental health professional until his retirement. He was an accomplished guitarist and vocalist and played many venues. He was an Eagle Scout and a Master Mason. Following his retirement, he and Lesa traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe.  Some of their most memorable trips were to Rome Italy, Africa, and France where they enjoyed the culture and exquisite local cuisine. Together they visited Saint-Malo and the shores of Normandy all the while exploring the history of WW II and sharing the hospitality of their French friends while in that country.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Benefield, Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Ward all of Ozark, AL.

Barry is survived by his loving wife and best friend Lesa Nivens Benefield of Columbiana, Alabama, a stepson, Christian Nivens of Chelsea, Alabama, three Brothers, Alan Benefield (Denise) and David Benefield (Belinda) of Ozark, Alabama, Steven Benefield (Catherine) of Vestavia Hills, Alabama.  A host of Nieces, Nephews and Great Nieces and Nephews also survive.