James Lovic Benton III

James Lovic Benton III, age 76, of Stone Mountain, passed away Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, at his residence.

Lovic Benton was born in Macon, to Florence McCord Benton and the late James Lovic Benton Jr. He grew up in Monticello and graduated from Jasper County High School in 1962. He was a standout for the Hurricane football team as a fullback. After graduation Lovic interned for Senator Richard B. Russell and attended American University in Washington, D. C. He served in the U. S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.

Before retirement Lovic worked as a mail carrier for Snellville for over 40 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and taking long walks. He was a songwriter and had written songs for Reba McEntire and Conway Twitty, having received recognition as songwriter of the year back in the 1980s.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his son, James Bradley Benton and sister, Felicia M. Benton.

He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie (Dennis) Filingeri of Atlanta; granddaughter, Rosabella Victoria Filingeri; mother, Florence McCord Pope of Monticello; sister, Alice B. (Walter) Tillman of Monticello; brother, John W. Benton of Monticello; and two nieces.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, at the Chapel of Jordan Funeral Home. Wes Tanner will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m., prior to the service.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers donations be made to Never Too Late Foster Care c/o John DeGarmo, P.O. Box 181, Monticello, Ga. 31064.

Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com.