Cornell A. Benson, Sr.

Cornell Benson entered the world March 22, 1930, to Silas and Rose Benson.  Cornell from day one was full of adventures.  He was raised in Del Rio, Texas, his grandmother taught him fluent Spanish which he used all his life.

As a young man Cornell used his size to his advantage and became a jockey where he raced horses at Longacres racetrack. That’s when his love of sports began. He served in the military as a cook which he truly enjoyed. He was a man that was very proud of his heritage, which inspired him into starting the business B & E Company as a general contractor.  In his retirement age he continued to stay busy by assisting at the golf course, being a handyman and painting.

Cornell enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing pool, bid whiz, making spicy dishes and devouring the meal.  When his children were growing up, he would pay them a quarter to eat a hot pepper. He really got a kick out of watching them. The game of golf was his world, if he couldn’t be at the golf course playing, he would occupy himself doing other things or watch golf on TV.

Cornell was a great support to those around him, if he was able to help that’s what he did with a smile.  He had a very loving and open heart for those he encountered in life.  You didn’t have to be blood to be his family. 

Cornell leaves to cherish his memories, his children: Robert, Annette, Billy, James, Peter, Stephanie, Kiwana, Herbert (Deano), Rose (Rosie) and Cornell Jr. (Benji) as well as a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.

He preceded in death by his daughter Deloris and son Tony.

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