Christopher B. Benham's Obituary
Christopher B. Benham, 73,of Clearwater, Florida, passed away Friday October 8, 2021.
Mr. Benham graduated with honors from the United States Military Academy, West Point, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in general engineering. He also earned an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from Averett College. Mr. Benham served more than seven years in the United States Army as a commissioned officer with specialties as a combat engineer and aeroscout/reconnaissance pilot. He was part of the first desert trained armored cavalry unit fielded by the Army in response to rising tensions in the Middle East back in the 1970’s. The flying tactics developed during his tenure were used successfully in the Gulf War of 1990. Upon his departure from active duty, Mr. Benham entered the business world where he developed skill sets in business development and general management in both federal government and commercial markets. He also had extensive experience with profit and loss management and business reengineering. Mr. Benham has held positions in program management, business development, sales and marketing, general management and at the senior executive levels to include Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Chief Operating Officer, President, and CEO. He has also assisted in business startups as a consultant and recently provided executive level assistance with mergers and acquisitions to the business founded by one of his classmates from West Point.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth A. Benham, father, Philip Benham, and brother, Philip Benham.
He is survived by his wife, Debra J. Benham, sister Marsha Rich, five children, Deborah L. Bednarz, Stephanie L. Hartley, Michelle L. Frazier, Christopher B. Benham II, Cherie B. Benham, two stepchildren Melissa Ramos and Christopher Ramos; eighteen grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
A Visitation will be Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Moss Feaster Funeral Home in Dunedin, Florida, at 3-5 pm with a Chapel Service at 5:00 pm.
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