Gerald Edward Benton, 62, of Hampton, transitioned from this life on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016. He was born Nov. 15, 1953, in Holland, to Gladys (Gatling) and the late Wallace Edward Benton of Suffolk. Preceding him in death are his wife Debra (Goodman) and his sister, Yvonne (Benton) Nelson.

He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School, Class of ’72. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He served three of his four years in Germany, during the Vietnam Era.

He was employed as a welder for more than 25 years by Norfolk Naval Shipyard. He and his wife owned and operated Suds Laundromat in Hampton.

He was an avid fan of science fiction, especially Star Trek. He enjoyed Christian fellowship, a good laugh and watching the Oakland Raiders.

He leaves to cherish his memory three children, Ebony, David (Valen) and Michael; three grandchildren, Paris, Victoria and Destiny; and his faithful dog, Max B.

He is also survived by his mother, Gladys; eight sisters, his twin Geraldine, Emma (Columbus Burrell), Diane (Aubrey Whitfield), Debra (Ronnie Edmond), Gladys (Derbin Hamler), Ophelia, Nakita and Latricia; four brothers, Tony (Christine), Emanuel (Francine), Wallace (Trucinia) and Kenneth (Janice).

He will be greatly missed by his mother and siblings, his children and grandchildren, fantastic nieces and nephews, wonderful aunts and uncles, awesome cousins, friends and coworkers.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home Inc. Condolences to the Benton family may be extended to www.crockerfuneralhome.com. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home Inc.