Roll Call Tribute

Douglas G. Benefield, LCDR USN (Ret)
October 2, 1961 - September 27, 2020

Douglas Glass Benefield, Huntsville Class of 1980, passed away unexpectedly on September 27, 2020, just short of his 59th birthday. Doug was a devoted man of God, a visionary, a beloved husband, a loving father, a caring brother, a servant leader, and a loyal friend to many.

Doug was born on in Palo Alto, California on October 2, 1961 to Johnnie and Suzanne Benefield. He grew up in Huntsville, Alabama and graduated from Huntsville High School, class of 1980. He was a champion wrestler during his years in junior and senior high school. After graduation, like his father and brothers, Doug attended Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. He graduated in 1984 with a degree in Biology. While attending college he was a Charter member of the Aggie Cowboys fraternity which later became Beta Theta Pi. Using his lifelong talent in art, Doug painted murals on buildings for his college work.

After college, Doug joined the Navy and completed Aviation Officer Candidate School to become a Naval Flight Officer. He completed flight school and served as Naval Flight Officer and Pilot in the S-3B Viking aircraft for 3 years off of Navy aircraft carriers out of San Diego, California. He then served for 3 years as a Mine Warfare Instructor in Charleston, South Carolina. Doug transitioned to the Navy Intelligence community and retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander (O-4) in 1999.

Doug founded, owned and operated the “Kiva Han” restaurant in Charleston for several years while also working as security and communication technology consultant for the US government. During his early years in Charleston, he met, dated and married the love of his life, Renee Cousar Benefield. In 2001, Doug and Renee were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Eva. After the sudden loss of Renee in 2015, he was a dedicated single father while continuing to work with defense and private equity ventures supporting government missions. Doug was widely recognized as a quantum physics expert and futuristic technologies creator.

Always true to his strong Christian faith, he was a longtime member of Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Most mornings, Doug was up before 5:30 am to study scripture and spend quiet time with Jesus. He always finished up the start to his day by sending bible verses and uplifting messages to his daughter, Eva, and others. Doug was a lifelong believer in the importance of the health of his mind, body and spirit. He was very active in fitness training with Iron Tribe and CrossFit.

Doug was generous to a fault and never gave up on people. He touched countless lives, bringing the rich joy of this life to those he cherished as his friends. He brought out the best in people and made you feel special just being around him. He was handsome, strong and gentle. He had great taste and somehow touched every area of your life making it richer and better.

Doug is survived by his daughters, Eva Suzanne Benefield and Emerson Grace Benefield, his nephew Jake Quigley Benefield ’18, his two brothers, John Wesley Benefield, Jr. ’83 and David King Benefield ’86, David’s wife, Roxanne Frey Benefield ‘89, and his cousin Tommie Douglas Benefield, Jr. ’78, and many other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his dear wife Renee Cousar Benefield and his parents, Johnnie and Suzanne Benefield.

Donations in memory of Doug Benefield for his daughters, Eva and Emerson, may be made to: River of Life Church Benevolence Fund, PO Box 1477, Mason, Texas 76856 (Phone: 325-347-9497).