After a long battle with dementia, Charles Benton Espey passed away on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 81. He was surrounded at home by his wife, Marilyn, and daughters. 

Benton was born to Edwin and Martha Espey on June 13, 1945, in Suqualena, MS. He joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve after graduating high school from West Lauderdale. He then went on to have a successful career at Lockheed Martin in Meridian for 35 years. Benton was a faithful member of Midway Baptist Church. He was also a charter member of the Collinsville Lions Club, serving the community for many years helping to provide free eye exams and glasses. After retirement, he went on to serve on the NTS Water Association board of directors for many years. 

Benton was always an avid softball player, often playing and coaching on several teams at the same time. He also was fantastic at water skiing and teaching others how to ski by pulling them behind his boat. Benton enjoyed playing a game of horseshoes and ping pong and was always the horseshoe champion at family reunions.

He loved his family and grandchildren deeply, and nothing brought him more joy than being a central part of their lives being on the sidelines of their softball, baseball, volleyball and soccer games. He loved giving the grandchildren rides on his shoulders, riding with them in the golfcart, and building sandcastles at the beach.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Marilyn Espey, daughters Sharon Espey and Mindy Sabatino (Brian). He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Emily, Sarah, Nicholas, and Julie Sabatino; His sisters Sarah Warren and Elizabeth Heath; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Benton was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Martha Espey, brothers George and H.C. Espey, and sister Iva Jenkins. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 22nd, at the Webb and Stephens Chapel , with Brother Michael Pogue officiating. The family will welcome friends during a visitation starting at 9:30 AM before the service. Benton will be laid to rest at Meridian Memorial Park following the service. 

Serving as Pallbearers for Benton's service will be Robert Espey, Ben Heath, Jimmy Jenkins, Jackie Fulton, Danny Miles and Walter Ridinger. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Mr. Espey’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Parkinson’s foundation.