Frank Eldridge "Buddy" Benton, 91, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House.

Mr. Benton was laid to rest privately at the Bethel Town Cemetery in Bethel, North Carolina, on August 19, 2026.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Frank's favorite restaurant, Cox's Family Restaurant. Please park in the rear lot and enter from the back. We look forward to hearing your stories and memories about Frank.

Frank was born on July 26, 1935, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Norman Eldridge Benton and Elizabeth Andrews Benton. He grew up in Bethel, in Pitt County, helping his family run the local store and tend the family farm. Following graduation from Bethel High School, he attended Fishburne Military Academy. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army in the 1950s, finishing out his military commitment in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Frank met Joyce M. Waters at the bank in Bethel. They were married on February 19, 1961, and made their home on Lakeview Drive in Newport, where their only child, Jean, was born in May 1965. Frank worked in civil service at Cherry Point for 34 years. He also delivered the newspaper for over 19 years, covering the town of Newport — which meant that for the better part of two decades, most of Newport started its morning with something Frank had put on the porch. He and his family camped at Emerald Isle and traveled the country together, exploring the national parks.

After Joyce's passing in October of 1994, Frank stayed as busy as ever. He spent years working alongside Frances Garner on the annual Newport Pig Cooking, and from the late 90s on, the two of them logged countless miles and adventures with their motor home club friends. Closer to home, they held down a regular table at Cox's Family Restaurant, where Frank kept up with half the town over breakfast.

Frank is survived by his daughter, Jean Gibby and her husband, Gerald; and his grandson, James Andrew Manuele.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Joyce M. Waters Benton, and his parents, Norman and Elizabeth Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Crystal Coast Hospice House, P.O. Box 640, Newport, NC 28570.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.