Mr. Benton Futch age 88 of Keystone Heights passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Parkside Assisted Living Facility in Starke, following an extended illness. He was born September 17, 1935, in Lawtey to Melvin Brown and Joyce (Terry) Futch. Mr. Futch graduated in 1953 from Bradford High School where he was active playing on the basketball, football, and baseball teams. He had started employment, during the summers, with Jones Funeral Home in Gainesville, when he was 15 years old. After marrying Vonciel (1954) he went to work selling insurance. He later returned to Jones Funeral Home (Starke) and then attended John A. Gupton School of Mortuary Science in Tennessee, graduating in 1959. This began his lifelong career as a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer with DeWitt C. Jones Funeral Home for the next 50 years. After 32 years he and Vonciel moved to Graceville (Baptist Bible Institute) to obtain the proper degrees to prepare them for the mission field, graduating in 1986. He then returned to the Jones Funeral Home in Keystone Heights and spent the next 18+ years ministering to that community. Mr. Futch was past president of the Starke Chamber of Commerce and a long-time member of Grace (Boatdrain) Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a deacon in 1963. Following Bible College and moving back home he became an active and long-time member at First Baptist Church of Keystone Heights and taught the Scripture Sunday school class at the funeral home for several years. Mr. Futch was very knowledgeable about the Bible and loved making conversations. In his spare time, he would shell pecans while watching sports or John Wayne movies on television. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his devoted and loving wife of 66 years Vonciel (Kelly) Futch, brothers: Terry and Ralph Futch, and a sister, Mary Fachtmann. His survivors are his children Eve Jones (Chuck) of Theressa and Steve Futch (Cindy) of Starke. He was lovingly called "Papa" by his grandchildren Elizabeth, Brandi, Andrew, and Stephanie, along with his great granddaughter Sydney. Also left behind are sister-in-laws, several nieces, nephews, and a host of longtime friends. The family will receive friends Wednesday, November 22, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel with funeral services to begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to the First Baptist Church 550 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, FL 32656. Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 620 E. Nona St. Starke, FL 32091. (904) 964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com. Cemetery Crosby Lake Cemetery 100-6830 NW 75th Ave Starke FL 32091 US Viewing Wednesday, November 22, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM DeWitt C. Jones Chapel 620 Nona Street Starke FL 32091 US Funeral Service Wednesday, November 22, 2023 11:00 AM - DeWitt C. Jones Chapel 620 Nona Street Starke FL 32091 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Starke 620 E. Nona Street Starke FL - 32091 US (904) 964-6200