“J. T.” Benningfield, long time McKinney resident, died Tuesday, February 1, 2005 after a long illness. An active member of the First Baptist Church since 1949, he had served the church in many capacities including deacon and church treasurer. He also served on the executive board of the Baptist General Convention as representative of District 13. With his wife, Virginia, Mr. Benningfield managed the Sherwin Williams Paint Company dealership for 36 years. He was active in the Rotary Club. During his active retirement, he was an avid golfer. He was also a member of the St. John’s Masonic Lodge where he was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Rotary Club. Born March 5, 1919, in Clarksville, Texas, he married Virginia Ussery in 1941. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II and started his long career with Sherman Williams shortly after the war. He is being remembered by family and friends for his sweet nature and his willingness to always assist others when needed. Mr. and Mrs. Benningfield worked as Hospice volunteers for a number of years. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia, a daughter and son-in-law, Diann and Robert Ring of Claremont, California, a grandson Robert Hamlink Ring of Princeton, New Jersey, a granddaughter, Susan Ring of Claremont, California and two sisters, Inez Cannon of Dallas and Sue White of Fort Worth. A celebration of Mr. Benningfield’s life will be held Friday at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church. Interment will be at Ridgeview Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Visiting Nurses Association (Hospice), 2414 W. University Drive, McKinney or to the Children’s Building at the First Baptist Church, 1615 W. Louisiana Street, McKinney, TX 75069.