George "Pete" F. Benson

George “Pete” Frederick Benson, 65, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Brookdale in Harrisonburg.

He was born on April 10, 1960, in Staunton to the late Samuel Franklin Benson and Mary Kathleen Taylor Diehl.

Pete attended Wilson Memorial High School, where he played both football and basketball and developed a lifelong love of sports. He remained an avid sports fan throughout his life and was especially known as a die-hard fan of the Washington Redskins

He loved spending time outdoors and was happiest hunting, fishing, and enjoying the country life. Above all, Pete treasured time with his grandchildren.

Pete was a faithful member of Hermitage Chapel in Waynesboro and was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis “Susie” Ann Reedy Benson; his stepson, Jeremy Wayne Riggleman and his fiancé, Janette; his stepdaughter, Melissa Pearl Goodloe and her husband, Eddie; his brothers, Samuel “Bo” Eugene Benson and his wife, Margaret; his grandchildren, Alyssa and Aiden Goodloe and Katie and Maggie Riggleman; his niece, Tiffany Michelle Sobczak.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, James Wayne, Earl Keith, and Marvin Thomas Thompson.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens in Staunton with Pastor Ken Gooch officiating.