Walter Richard Benjamin

Mr. Walter Richard Benjamin was born on September 6, 1940, in Kingsferry, Florida to Mr. Willie and Mrs. Rosa Benjamin. Richard, as he was affectionately known to family and friends, was the baby boy of 6 children.

Richard attended elementary school in Kingsferry.  He later attended Pine Forest Community School in Callahan, Florida where he completed his junior and senior year. 

Richard’s young adult years continued in Kingsferry. After navigating different jobs within his hometown, Richard moved to Jacksonville, Florida.  He established employment with St. Vincent Medical Center as a Medical Transporter.  He was very dedicated and soon became a valued employee.  Throughout the years, Richard became more than an employee.  He became a loved and respected colleague and friend to so many people.  He had a huge and lasting impact on any individual he came in contact with, whether in the workplace or in his personal life.  His overwhelming kind heart and spirit touched everyone who knew him. 
 

Richard genuinely loved the work he did.  So much so, he remained with St. Vincent Medical Center for over 50 years.  After 50 years of service, St. Vincent honored Richard with a huge celebration ceremony in recognition of his incredible contributions and achievements as an employee, and as an outstanding man.  After an amazing 54 years of service, Richard decided to retire to embark on the next phase of his life.  In December 2002, Richard was united in Holy Matrimony to Wilbertine (Tina) Rivers.  Richard was a remarkable and caring husband to his beloved wife.  He became even more nurturing as Tina’s health declined and he became her full-time caregiver.  They shared an amazing 22 years together until the Lord called her home in November 2024.
 

Richard accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined All People International Church under the leadership of Bishop Arthur T. Jones, Sr. He remained a member until his wife’s declining health condition led him to become her devoted caregiver. 
 

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Wilbertine Benjamin; his parents, Mr. Willie and Mrs. Rosa Benjamin; three brothers, Joseph Lee, Albert Benjamin and Jimmie Lee.
 

Leaving to cherish his loving memories; sons, Aaron Benjamin (Patricia) and Albert Lee Brice (Jamie); daughters, Vonda Renee Benjamin and Yolanda Williams (Willie); granddaughter, Jamaya Bell; numerous other grandchildren; devoted sisters, Lena Bell Haywood, Maxine Gordon, Sarah Hooper and Mary Alice Anderson; sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Rev. Ronald), Mary Howard (Elijah) and Rosetta Whitfield; brother, Rev. Lee Johnson (Dorothy); numerous nieces, nephews (whom all thought they were his favorite), great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces, great great nephews; a host of cousins and many sorrowing friends who will miss him dearly.

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