Born November 27, 1915, Henry Dee Benton was the firstborn son of William Dee and Mary Ida Sellars Benton. Later a brother Jake, a sister Mary Will and another brother Max joined the family. He married Noba Ree (Doot) Benton in 1936. Of this union, four girls were born-Carol Ann, Margie Kay, Elizabeth Jane (Beth) and Patti Ree. At his death he was survived by his wife, 4 children, & grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren. Since his death (1996), two more great grandchildren have been added to the family.
In his early years Henry Dee worked with Benton Stables and with Benton Mercantile. Henry Dee later worked for M.E. Donaldson with the cotton gin. In 1942 he joined the Navy and served from 1942-1945. When he returned to Opp, he joined his grandfather Sellars in farming. Later he used this same land to build two ponds and create a housing sub-division. In 1956 he opened Benton’s Grocery, a store located on Highway 84 East, and sold groceries, gas, jewelry, fishing equipment, bait for fishing, and fresh vegetables. Later Henry Dee purchased the entire land plot referred to as the “Triangle.” He built Benton’s Snack Bar, a laundromat, the Sears building, Dorothy Rainer Dance Studio and Benton’s Feed and Seed building. Most of the buildings were built for other businesses and leased by them. However, he opened and operated Benton’s Snack Bar and the Benton’s Feed and Seed. Through his grocery business Henry Dee helped countless families who did not have money to buy groceries. No one who needed help was ever turned away, and yet, when they closed the store, very little was lost in debt.
As a descendent of one of the pioneering families of Opp, Henry Dee inherited from his people a love for the land and a sincere affection for the town and its people. He was passionate about his hobbies that included horses, dogs and hunting. He shared his love of the outdoors with many, young and old. Henry Dee was a great advocate for the City of Opp. Many examples of his love for Opp can be gleaned from letters from people who knew him best. When a site was needed for a new high school, those involved in selecting a site preferred the Benton property. He agreed to sell the property at a very reasonable price when he could have held the land or made more money. When the town had a chance to move a dance studio to Opp, Henry Dee agreed to build the building and charge a nominal rent…not for profit but for the good of the town. Again, when a local industry asked him about the use of his riding corral facilities to be used in photographs of the famous baseball player, Ted Williams, Henry Dee saw an opportunity to promote Opp and spent a great deal of his own time “showing off’ our town to Mr. Williams.
Henry Dee was exceptionally civic minded. He was concerned about the leadership of Opp and Covington County. He turned this concern into positive action by serving as Covington County Democratic Committeeman for ten years. He turned his love for horses into service with the Sheriff’s Possee for many years. He believed it was a privilege and responsibility to vote for capable, responsible and effective leadership.
As important as Henry Dee’s contributions as a businessman were to the growth and development of Opp, more impressive were contributions that came from his simple and firm belief in helping others and his commitment to treating people right. Henry Dee was a quiet man who led by example. Letters from men who worked for Henry Dee as high school and college students speak of the profound influence he had on their lives. He was not a boss, but a teacher. He taught character, responsibility, work ethics, how to treat people, and compassion. He urged them all to continue their education and he helped them by allowing them to work during high school and college. These men wrote that they were treated as family, not employees.
Henry Dee was a Christian and member of First Baptist Church of Opp. He demonstrated his faith daily through his true and steadfast respect for his fellowman. He was involved in many projects and organizations for the betterment of Opp, but more than that was his compassion for “people”. He was an uncommon man with a common touch. He is a unique part of Opp’s history and will be remembered for his contributions to the building of Opp. Perhaps the greatest legacy a person leaves behind is his family. Doot and four daughters and the extended family continue to exemplify the traditions of Henry Dee Benton. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.
