Charles Benedict, a longtime pastor, died April 7 at age 87.
He was a 1953 graduate of Shelton College in Manhattan, N.Y., where he received his ThB. For 44 years he was a pastor in Baptist churches, including Heritage Baptist Church, Clarks Summit, Pa.; West Hills Baptist Church, Hunington Station, N.Y.; and First Baptist Church, Hamburg N.Y.
Charles enjoyed sailing, reading, and gardening, and had a ministry of encouragement through letter writing.
He was the husband of Vivian L. Benedict for 60 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two daughters, Lois Clark and Deborah Heffernan; his son, Charles III; his brother, Willard; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.