William H. Benson, II

William Harold Benson II (Bill, Papa, Papadoo, Dooskie), born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, on September 27, 1927, was a remarkable man. He was a champion boxer on the undefeated boxing team at Staunton Military Academy. He excelled on the equestrian team and continued his boxing at Culver Military Academy during summer classes. After graduating from Staunton during World War II, he enlisted in the Navy in 1945 to defend his country as a Navy fighter pilot. During his training, the war ended, and he went on to graduate from Penn State University with a degree in Business Administration. While at Penn State, he met Dorothy Louise McCullough, who was working as a hostess at the Corner Room Restaurant across the street from the Penn State campus, which was owned by her aunt and uncle. He married Dotty Lou, and she became the mother of his three children.

Always ahead of his time and with a great vision for the future, he saw opportunity in Florida and moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1956. He moved there with his family, towing his 28-foot boat, the Skylark, behind his Cadillac before the days of interstate highways. He loved the ocean and adventure of all kinds and started an offshore charter fishing business with the Skylark. He upgraded boats throughout the years and later acquired a state-of-the-art 42-foot Norseman named the Electra. He won the first Ft. Lauderdale Blue Marlin Tournament on that boat in 1960, catching two blue marlins totaling over 450 pounds on the last day of the tournament.

Growing tired of the charter fishing business, he purchased a kitchen cabinet business. Through his sales and management efforts, he grew the business statewide to become the largest kitchen cabinet business in Florida in the 1960s. Always moving forward, he later became a top-producing stock and commodity broker with some of Wall Street’s largest firms and later founded Benson & Company, an investment advisory firm. Continuing to search for the best opportunities, he also became licensed to sell insurance annuities and various insurance products, became a licensed mortgage broker, a real estate broker, and a licensed captain. Additionally, he received his master’s degree from Brigham Young University in his spare time.

He taught his children to be honest, to believe in God, and to be humble in success. He would never hesitate to give advice. He was a role model for his whole family. He never gave up, always moved forward from tragedy and disappointment, and always believed there was a better opportunity in his future. He loved life! He loved God and Jesus, and he loved his whole family with all his heart. He had a special place in his heart for his youngest son, Tommy.

In his later years, he had several more boats and fished and enjoyed outdoor adventures if he was able. He loved inventing gadgets and fixing things by teaching himself trades such as carpentry, engine mechanics, and plumbing. He was the smartest guy in the room!  He named the last boat he shared with Tommy “High Hopes.” That name sums up his life. He had a good, long life and cooked breakfast for himself and Tommy the day before he died. He outlived all his personal friends and probably all his wives. When his strong heart finally stopped on the morning of February 23, 2025, it broke many hearts.

He is survived by his three children: William H. Benson III (JoAnne), Susan B. Fredrickson (Thomas), and Thomas Curtis Benson; six grandchildren: Blair Benson Fredrickson, Jenna Lauran Fredrickson, Dean William Benson (Kelley), Nicole Benson Wade (Shaun), Julia Fredrickson Calahan (Shane), and Christine Joan Benson Reissener (Britton); and thirteen great-grandchildren: Brooke and Braden Benson; Noah, Micah, Eli, Ezra, and Caleb Wade; Haylee Jo  and Walker Reissener; Brody, Nash, Elliot, and Nate Calahan. He loved them all dearly, and they all love him and will miss him greatly.  We will all miss his beautiful blessings at every family meal and his great sense of humor. He is also survived by his nephew, David Winkle (Elaine), son of Alice. He was predeceased by his father, Harold Dean Benson, and mother, Ruth Chambers Benson, who he missed until his last day. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Alice Winkle and Willa Palmer.

A Visitation, with friends and family, will be held 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, with Pastor Jack Diehl officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity in Bill’s name.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

God Bless You Papa! ❤