Bobby Gene Benefield, Sr., 86, of Valdosta, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Presbyterian Home in Quitman, GA. A master mechanic and a very handy man, Bobby was known for his kindness and never had a mean bone in his body. From an early age, he embraced hard work and dedication. Even when not working, he was always fixing something. In his younger years, he enjoyed watching wrestling, and later developed a passion for westerns, knowing nearly all of them by heart.

Bobby met his wife, Alda, while square dancing. Alda’s sister cleverly arranged for Bobby to fix Alda’s car, which led to their first kiss. Known for humor and his dry dad jokes, Bobby took up cooking and baking when Alda lost her vision. He loved taking their children to “Mayday” Beach to dig for mussels. His favorite snacks were honeybuns and Starburst fruit chews. Bobby was a member of Wayfare Baptist Church for over 65 years. Although he did not graduate from high school, he later taught automotive and air conditioning at Valdosta Technical School.

He is survived by his wife, Alda Benefield; daughter Tamra Buska of Yorktown, VA; sons Bobby Gene Benefield, Jr. of Valdosta and Chad Owen Benefield of Clarksville, TN; grandchildren Joshua Buska (Williamsburg, VA), Jacob Buska (Stuttgart, Germany), Sky Buska (Newport, VA), Jenna Hendrick (Virginia Beach, VA), Bobby Benefield III (Valdosta), Lindsey Benefield (Clarksville, TN), and Caleb Benefield (Fort Rucker, AL); and siblings Robert and Diane Benefield. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry W. Benefield and Edna Irene Singletary Benefield; daughters Sabrina Latrelle Andrews and Falicia Ann Benefield; and siblings Joanna, Gladis, Ronald, Wendell, and James Benefield.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Wayfare Cemetery, with Elder Dwight Marshall officiating. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home