Michael Anthony Benjamin Sr.'s Obituary
Michael A. Benjamin Sr. of Tacoma, WA., passed away at Providence Hospital, Mobile, Alabama on May 18,2023. Michael was born October 4, 1957 in Gulf Port, MS. And raised by Elmira (Buckhalter) and Booker C. McGee. After graduating from Moss Point High School and attending Jackson State University for one year, he enlisted in the U.S. Army May 1978. He traveled to Washington and Hawaii as a Combat Engineer and Europe as a Food Service Specialist. After being honorably discharged, he spent 5 years in the Army Reserves as a Drill Sergeant. He settled in Tacoma and worked at Western State Hospital for 14 years, Raceways Tech & Manufacturing Co. for 10 years, and a variety of restaurants over the next several years. The last 10 years he worked for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs as a cook in White City, Oregon, Seattle, and Tacoma. He retired from Eagles Pride Golf Coarse June 2022 due to medical issues. He continued to volunteer at Eagles Pride Golf Coarse. Michael was a member of Western WA Football Officials Association. He loved sports and officiated football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and rugby over 35 years. He also coached youth sports for Gonyea Boys and Girls club for many years. He loved cooking, fishing, camping, bowling, and especially golf. His true passion was his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his son Michael Jr. ,stepsons Mark (Susan) and Brian (Melissa) Anderson, and daughter Erica Walker, all of Tacoma, WA. He is also survived by twin brother Mitchell of Pascagula, MS., sisters, Tammy, Moss Point, MS., Rochell Jones, Guatier,Ms., Kim McGee, Moss Point, MS., and Theresa (Edward) Reels, Pascagoula, MS. 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by mother Elmira (Buckhalter) McGee, father Booker C. McGee, brother Bobby Brooks McGee all of Moss Point, MS., sister Mary (Tommy) McGee, Escatawpa, MS. ,and great granddaughter, Egypt Bonds, Tacoma, WA. The family acknowledge his devoted long time friends: Jan Benjamin, former spouse and caregiver, Tom Horne, Willie C. Johnson, and Mike James of Tacoma, WA, and nephew Joseph Benjamin Lynwood, WA. The following poem may be the he best way to describe Michael’s life and our loss.
He made the world a better place
With his laughter and his smile.
He showed us what love is
And in return gained our
Undying devotion
He will sadly be missed
But in our minds and in our
Hearts
He will forever remain
And live forever.
Inurnment: Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Washington
Michael’s life will be celebrated with a Memorial Service Thursday June 29, 2023 2p.m. at Mt. View Funeral Home, Aspen Chapel, Lakewood, WA. In lieu of flowers please contribute to your favorite charity in his name.
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