Eddie Benford, age 73, of Elgin, IL, passed away on December 4, 2024.

This is his life.

Eddie was born to George and Annie (née Lott) Benford on October 21, 1951 in the town of Tutwiler, MS.  He was the ninth child in the family of 11 brothers and sisters.

At the tender age of 5, Eddie and his family moved to Chicago, IL.  There, Eddie was a studious young man, he attended Oaken Wal Elementary School.  He later graduated from Lindblom High School, where he was enrolled in the mentorship program at the University of Chicago.

Eddie enjoyed working with his hands.  After high school, he worked for Illinois Bell, and later joined the Carpenters Union, where he was a journeyman for the next 35 years.  If you didn't know anything else about Eddie, you knew he had a big heart.  He was always ready to lend a hand when needed.  Never on time, but always there.

Eddie's jobs had him move to Elgin, where he met and married Lynn of 44 years.  That union had four children.  Every weekend, he would come to the city and gather a carload of kids, and where would they go on a great adventure.  Come Sunday, they would head back to the city until the next weekend.

Eddie was not a baptized member of the Jehovah's Witnesses, but he embraced their belief for the love of Bible truth he kept close to his heart.

Eddie is preceded in death by his father and mother; son, Eric; brothers, Joe, George, Jameel, James, Bill, and CL; and sister, Willie Mae.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Lynn; son, Nathan; daughters, Ebony and Erin (Gerry); grandson, Jeremiah; granddaughters, Keandra and Kara; brothers, Robert (Lula) and John; and sister, Emma (Bob); along with a host of nieces, nephews, and good friends.

Now Eddie awaits that resurrection (John 11:25), for the next great adventure.

Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out -- those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.

John 5:28-29

Visitation will be 12:00pm until funeral service at 2:00pm, Monday, December 9, 2024, at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120. Brother Kevin Jones will be officiating.

To access the funeral service remotely, loved ones are encouraged to log on via Zoom (Meeting ID: 882 9623 2575, Password: 896670).

Interment will be private.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.