Resident Jackson County 6th Generation Married- Karen Compton Benton Children- Leigh Ann Allison and husband Casey; Thomas H. Benton, Jr. and wife, Teri, Jeff Farrell, Zack Evans, and three grandchildren, Samuel Thomas Weaver, Thomas Wayne Benton and Morgan Jayde Benton Parents- Thomas Frazer Benton and Matilda Housch Benton Education Graduate- Commerce High School, 1968 Graduate- West Georgia College, 1972, AB History Graduate- Brenau College, 1983, MEd Middle School Education Occupation Jackson County Board of Education, 1974-2004, retired; Maysville Elementary School - 16 years; Jackson County Middle - six years; East Jackson Middle School - eight years; (Georgia History & Government, American History, Beta Club Sponsor, 1998-2004) McDonald Ace Hardware, Commerce, 1975-2011(part time) Religion First United Methodist Church, Commerce, Member since 1962 Public Service Jefferson Historic Preservation Commission, 1994-2004 Hunter Safety Instructor - 1984- present Treasurer, Jackson County Bicentennial Committee, 1996 Organizations National Rifle Association - Life Member Sons of Confederate Veterans - Life Member Military Order of the Stars and Bars Sons of the American Revolution - Gainesville Chapter Jackson County Historical Society Jackson County Retired Teachers Association Unity Masonic Lodge #36, Jefferson