Martha Frances Stancil was born on May 26, 1941, in Johnston County, North Carolina, to Dessie and Thomas Emmette Stancil.

Named after her great-grandmother Martha Lucas and her mother Dessie, Martha grew up with dark hair and a strong spirit.

Jack Alan Benedict, born to Samuel Clarence and Alice E. Stigleman Benedict, grew up in the rural community of Marlette, Michigan. From an early age, Jack dreamed of moving to a warmer place.

Jack's journey to the warmer South began when he joined the Marine Corps, where he was trained as a jet engine mechanic. Stationed at Cherry Point, North Carolina, he found that warmer place, and it was there, during a vacation at White Lake, that he met Martha. Their relationship blossomed quickly, and they married on January 25, 1957, in the Glendale community of Johnston County, North Carolina.

Family and Career

After Jack's enlistment ended, Martha and Jack, now a family, moved to Washington, North Carolina. There, Jack began working at the airport for Martha's brother-in-law, Thomas Emmette "Junior" Stancil Jr. It was here that Jack's natural affinity for the skies truly took flight. He earned his pilot's license, became an instructor, and began flying charter flights. Their first two children, Gerri Renee and Derek Alan, were born in Washington, while their third son, Morris Dale, was born in Elizabethtown, North Carolina.

Jack's remarkable talent for flying propelled him further. He pursued commercial pilot training in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and was subsequently hired by Piedmont Airlines, which later merged with US Air. Jack's career as a pilot soared, taking him on many international flights before he retired as a Captain after 30 years of distinguished service. Following in his father's footsteps, their son Dale also became a professional pilot, flying for American Airlines.

Jack was a proud grandfather to many. His grandchildren include Michael Wayne Butler, Cassie Lynn Mitchell (likely children of Gerri); Emily Rhiann Benedict (Derek's daughter); and Heather Benedict, Lindsay Benedict, and Christian Sifuentes (Dale's children). He was also a loving great-grandfather to Logan Michael and Kodey Alston.

Challenges and Triumphs

Martha faced significant personal challenges in her life. In 1989, she was involved in an incident where she attempted to set a fire that resulted in injury to her father, Emmette. This led to her conviction and imprisonment. Despite these profound hardships, Martha remained a devoted mother and homemaker throughout her life until her passing on January 3, 1993, in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is buried at Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Cemetery in Kenly, Johnston County, North Carolina.

Jack's Life After Martha: New Beginnings and Passions

Jack, on the other hand, continued to pursue his dreams with characteristic vigor. He purchased a farm near Newnan, Georgia, around 1969, even before Martha's passing. On this farm, he indulged his passion for raising cattle, initially focusing on Beefalo (a crossbreed that is 3/8 bison, known for its lower fat and cholesterol content) and later Simmentals. His daughter Gerri fondly remembers how his cows were artificially inseminated, and a visit where Gerri, Derek, and Dale enjoyed horseback riding while Delyn took lessons.

After Martha's passing, Jack found new companionship. In 1980, he met his soulmate, Ruth, and they married, embarking on a new chapter filled with shared adventures. Jack had two additional children, a daughter Delyn and a son Jay, who became part of his extended family. Jack and Ruth shared a profound love for Harley Davidson motorcycles, making countless road trips together and embracing life on the open road.

A Legacy of Family, Flight, and Friendship

Even after retiring from his demanding aviation career, Jack remained active and engaged. He joined the Coweta County Volunteer Fire Department, serving his local community, and regularly attended the annual Piedmont Silver Eagles Reunion, staying connected with his fellow pilots. Jack and Ruth's church home was Providence Baptist Church, a short distance from their residence, where Jack found spiritual solace and engaged in meaningful conversations, particularly with Rev. Ken Norton in his final days.

Family was always paramount to Jack. Thanksgiving 2005 was a particularly special occasion, as Gerri and Ronnie hosted the entire family, including Jack, Ruth, Derek, Cassie, Dale, Emily, Delyn, David, Heather, Lindsay, Jay, Frankie, Michael, Kodey, and Logan. By the end of that memorable weekend, they had formed lasting bonds of family, love, and friendship. In September 2010, Jack, Gerri, Ronnie, Michael, and grandsons Kodey and Logan enjoyed a memorable fishing trip in Jack's pond. This visit also allowed for cherished personal time between Jack and Gerri as they rode over the fields, checking the cattle and reminiscing.

Jack's influence extended to his wider family and colleagues, who remembered him fondly.

Passing and Enduring Memory

Jack Alan Benedict passed away at the age of 74 on January 31, 2011, at home, with his devoted wife Ruth by his side, after a brave battle with lung cancer. He was buried with a Marine Corp Honor Guard at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Newnan, Georgia.

Martha and Jack's story is one of complex lives, enduring love, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Their legacy lives on through their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many lives they touched along the way.