Charles William Benesek (Bill), 81, passed away Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 27, 2025, at his home after a long battle with cancer. Bill was born November 18, 1944 in Prince George, Virginia. Upon graduating from Prince George High School, he joined the US Army in 1964, where he spent almost 3 years of his service in Germany. On returning to the United States, he stated those were the last boat and airplane trips he ever wanted to experience. Bill’s time in the service sparked an interest in welding, and upon discharge, he pursued and achieved his welding certification. After gaining experience while working in various positions in his trade, he began a career with Phillip Morris as a maintenance mechanic. He retired in 2002 with 21 years of dedicated service. Bill grew up on a farm, where he learned the value of a strong work ethic, being a problem solver, working with his hands, and making the best of what you have. When his family was young, annual camping trips to the beach were a source of fond memories. He loved his family. He loved animals, including his dogs Winnie and Mollie and cat, Tommie. Bill enjoyed telling jokes and stories, and when he had a good one, you were likely to hear it enough that you could repeat it back to him. In retirement, he took great pride in taking care of his farm equipment, his workshop and his property.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Barbara Debnam Benesek, son William Burton Benesek (Tyne), daughter Lesley B. McNew (James), grandchildren Ethan McNew (Kayla), Emma Knight (Addison), Kaitlyn Benesek, sister Sheryle B. Okum (Bob), sister in law Kathy Benesek, and numerous nieces and nephews who showed him their love and were all a cherished part of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irving John Benesek, SR and Helen Charvat Benesek, sister Helen B. Hoover, and brother Irving J. Benesek, JR.

The family will receive friends and loved ones from 11 a.m. to noon Monday, December 15, 2025 at E Alvin Small Funeral Home and Crematory, 3935 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805. Funeral services will begin at noon. Interment will follow in Blandford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or your local animal shelter.

We wish to express our sincere appreciation to all the doctors and nurses at the Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists and Virginia Cancer Institute for all the care shown to Bill through the years, and to AT Home Care/Hospice for their compassion, kindness and support.