Georgetown: Gerald Leon Benton, 55, died Friday, August 28, 2009. Mr. Benton was born in Conway on September 25, 1953, a son of the late George Leon Benton and Lucille Nance Benton Tamplet. He was reared in Murrells Inlet by his Mother and step-father, the late George LaBruce Tamplet. He attended Winyah High School and received an associate degree from Horry-Georgetown Technical College. Mr. Benton attended Rhinehart School of Taxidermy in Wisconsin and became an accomplished taxidermist, opening his first shop in the old post office building in Murrells Inlet. Mr. Benton was an employee of the Georgetown County Water and Sewer District for twenty-three years. He obtained his captains license and was instrumental in the building of the Murrells Inlet Jetties. Mr. Benton was licensed to operate vessels up to 100 ton. Captain Benton was the owner and operator of the Bahama Mama Charter Cruises, a long time dream come true. He was a devout environmentalist. Mr. Benton was a member of Masonic Lodge #368, Ancient FreeMasons. He was a member of Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church. Surviving are: his wife, Violet Kitchen Benton of Georgetown; a daughter, Brandi Spencer (Josh) of Marion; two sisters, Peggy B. Villani (Dr. A. J.) of Myrtle Beach and Jacqueline B. Carnevale (Vincent James) of Hilton Head; and a grandson, Brodie Benton Spencer of Marion. Funeral services will be twelve o'clock noon Monday, August 31, 2009 at Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church. Officiating will be Rev. Frank S. Holsclaw and Rev. Rhett Talbert. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Monday from eleven until twelve in the Parlor of Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church. Sign a guest book at www.mayerfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to Lost at Sea Memorial at Morse Park Landing in Murrells Inlet, 1250 Birch Ave., Conway, S. C. 29526. Arrangements are by the Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home. Funeral Home: Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home 222 Saint James Street Georgetown, SC US 29440