Gary Paul Benge

Gary Paul Benge, 79, of Yulee, Florida, passed away on April 13, 2026. Born in California, Gary made Yulee his home for more than 40 years.

Gary proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a Sergeant with the 173 Airborne. Following his military service, he began with National Airlines before becoming an insurance broker with Don L. Tolis. Gary later partnered in a steel erection company and went on to work in estimates and payroll at H&H Specialties. In 1985, he purchased the company and transformed it into Benge Custom, a business that remains family-run to this day.

He was a founding member of the Vietnam Veterans of Nassau County, alongside Mr. Key and Mr. Haspel.

Gary was preceded in death by the love of his life, Angela “Trice” Benge, his wife of 42 years, and is survived by his three sons, Stephen Benge and spouse Shayna of Fernandina Beach, FL, Matt Benge and spouse Jeremy Rhoden of Gainesville, FL, JW Benge and spouse Danielle Benge of Woodbine, GA.

Gary was a grandaddy to 15 grandchildren: Kelly, Brylen, Stephen Jr., Cyanne, Holly, Morgan, Colby, Jenna, Landon, Cody, Brooke, J, Langston, and Ryleigh, and a Grandaddy to 3 great-grandchildren: Elijah, and Sadie.

Gary had great pride in his family and his home, known as the “Bengearosa,” where everyone was always welcome. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He enjoyed snow skiing, rainbow trout fishing in the mountains of North Georgia, and traveling with his beloved Trice

He will be deeply missed.  A service to celebrate Gary’s life will be held at Yulee Baptist Church on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The family will receive friends for visitation at 1:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM.  Interment will follow in Green Pine Cemetery.