Robert Benford Jr. was born May 19, 1957 and went home to be with the Lord on October 30. 2019.
Mr. Robert Benford aka “Tank” was an inspiration to everyone he connected with. He always found a way to overcome significant barriers with grace. He always completed his task looking to the future and asking what is next? He maintained good spirits and knew how to make you laugh. He never knew a stranger and he always had something positive to say. He was kind, patient, and persistent with everything that he did. He was actively involved in the community and his church with volunteer work. He returned to the V.O.A Men’s shelter weekly to teach Bible study to the residents.
Robert became a part of the family of Love Zion Church on August 24, 2008. Robert served in the army as a medical specialist from 1976-1979, he received an honorable discharge upon completion of service. Robert achieved an Associate’s Degree in business from Ohio Christian University, then received his Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitative Counseling, then in October, 2016 he received a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant license from the state of Ohio.
He is preceded in death by parents Robert Benford Sr., and Darlene Benford.
He leaves to cherish his precious memory; Douglas Solomon, Janiss Solomon, Henry Benford, Dale Chatman, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.
Visitation 9:00 AM and Funeral Service 10:00 AM Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Love Zion Baptist Church, 1459 Madison Avenue.
Interment at Eastlawn Cemetery.
With Deepest Sympathy, I pray for the family to draw strength from each other, as they walk together through the days ahead; during this very difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss, In memory of Robert Benford.
My sincerest condolences to the family of Min. Robert Benford.
May Good Grant you peace & comfort during this time of sorrow.
My heart goes out to the family. I worked with Mr. B for the last 2.5 years towards employment. He always maintained a positive attitude and inspired me and other staff members with the way he overcame adversity with grace. We had a lot of laughs together and found ways to balance each other during many trials and tribulations in his journey to employment. He was a role model for other job seekers with disabilities. I always enjoyed listening to his stories over lunch breaks. He will certainly be missed.
To the Beloved Family & Dear Friends of Robert Benford:
May the grace & ever abounding love, with comfort, of the Lord God be with you in Christ Jesus’ name. Amen
I am assured that this Beloved Servant of God has joined with Jesus, in accordance with God’s written word & having overcome all limitations that were restrictions while he was with us, upon this earth.
But God, with His infinite wisdom, has chosen to deliver his servant unto Himself, and saying “Well Done, My Good & Faithful Servant.”
I shall miss my friend with the joyful memories that we lived & shared together. Until the day upon which, I too shall be caught up with the Lord and called HOME!
Trust in the Lord our God as your personal Lord & Savior, for then you too shall be SAVED.
Amen
Minister Benford was my friend and our sympathy and prayers go out to his family
Robert had a great heart and love for people. rest in peace you are in the best of hands
now. to the family remember earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal.
Overseer Michael D,. Reeves Sr and the the Corinthian Baptist Church Family.
Rest in Heaven Bobby. My condolences to the Benford family.
My deepest condolences to the family. I grew up with Robert and haven’t seen in years but was always a pleasure to be around. RIP my friend…
My prayers go out to the family of tank.that is what we always called him. I went to eastmoor with him and was a close friend of his. I have fond memories of him over the years. He was a good friend and a great man, he will be greatly missed. Praying that the Lord blesses the family and friends with peace and love.
Thank you Lord for my dear friend Tank. Thank you for allowing him to walk through life with me, family and a host of cherished friends and Eastmoor Family. We had a ball! You blessed us with a good life and we give you the honor and glory! now may my friend have peaceful rest until we meet again.
In Christ,
Adreana
My prayer go to the family. It is a long time since our days as children in East Columbus or my days as principal at our elementary school. Bobby was always invoked with the community. You will be missed.
Vondra Small White
My condolences to the family, friends and loved ones. Tank will be sorely miss. Until we meet again with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…..
To The Family Of Minister Robert Benford, Jr.,
You Are All In Our Prayers.
I went to Eastmoor with Tank and played on the Warriors Football Team with him. It was always good to meet up with him at various neighborhood events over the years. He will be missed but the endless memories will remain.
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-Trent
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To Min. Benford Family,
I went to Eastmoor with Tank as we called him. He was a fantastic man to be around and always would help anyone in need. We are praying for you that God gives you strength during this difficult time.
Vanessa (Van Cleaf) Young
To the family we offer our sincerest sympathies and condolences on the passing of our dear brother and great friend. Truly Robert was a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Our lives our better because of his impact in it. He will be truly missed but never forgotten. Goodnight Mayor Benford (of East Columbus). God bless and keep you family. Elder Small and family.
Minister Benford, you have proven yourself time and time again as a friend, mentor and Man of God. I thank you for your support throughout the years. May you rest in God until we meet again. To the Benford family, I pray your strength through this difficult time. May God keep you in His arms. Remember the “good” times as that is what will keep you.
Karen Deberry
“Papa B” loved his daughter Tiyana (My Fiancée) immensely. He also treated my kids as if they were his very own grandchildren. It’s saddens me to see that Tiyana is not recognized as his daughter in the passage above. It’s actually disheartening and I know he wouldn’t be okay with the fact. He’s the only man that she’s ever called “Dad”. Their bond is as strong as any Father/ Daughter bond that I’ve ever seen. Mr. B never wanted anyone to worry about him and always downplayed his health. In my heart I believe that he’s happy to be with the Lord. His last sermon was titled “Ready or not here I come”…….Rest well Papa B. For the short time I’ve known you you’ve been a positive light in my family’s life.
My prayers go out to all of Bobby’s family and especially to his children, Shaa and Dale who were BLESSED to have him as a Dad and he was BLESSED to have them as his children who he loved so very much.
Prayers for the family. Tank got me involved in community service in Krumm Park. Through his leadership we accomplished many goals and fulfilled his dreams for sidewalks, new playgrounds and community festivals to name a few. RIH “TANK”. You were an inspiration to many.
Dear Family,
Just now seeing this. Sorry to see that Robert has passed. I’m a neighbor from “back in the day ” in East Columbus. Seems we were all a part of one big extended family back then. Sincere Condolences, Sarah Potter Locke
I send my condolences to his family. His family was truly his joy and besides Jesus the highlight of his life. I miss speaking and Praying with Robert-Mighty Man of God.