Jay G. Benningfield was born to Tom and Irene Benningfield on 12/01/1924 in McAlester, OK. He passed away on 10/11/2018 in Toppenish, WA.
Jay worked as a welder in the shipyards in Seattle. He was offered a military deferment because of his work, but he declined it and enlisted in the Air Force where he became a radio operator in a B-52. After the end of WW2 he was discharged and moved to Yakima, WA. There he met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Bentz.
He made his living as a welder steam fitter as a member of Local 598 Plumbers and Steamfitters.
Jay was active in prison ministry for over 20 years, as well as serving in the jails, and the Union Gospel Mission.
Jay was preceded in death by his loving wife Dorothy, infant son Stanley Jay Benningfield, parents Tom and Irene Benningfield, and his brothers Rodney, Jim, and Max Benningfield.
He is survived by his children Stephen (Judy) Benningfield, Marlene (Patrick) McGinnis, Elaine (Bob) Cummins, and Edward (Suzanne) Benningfield, 10 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Roy Benningfield.
Funeral Service will be held on October 26th at 10:30 am at Rainier Memorial Center 2807 Terrace Heights Drive Yakima, WA.
Reception immediately following.
The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Fred Thysell for his kind and compassionate care of Jay.