Gary Curtis “Joe” Benton, age 81, of West Paducah, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Vanderbilt Hospital
Gary, who was often known as Joe, was born in Paducah, Kentucky, on October 30, 1944, to George Clyde Benton and Ruby Marie Turner Benton. Gary is survived by his wife, Judy Lanier Benton, of 59 years of marriage, his two loved sons, Gary Wayne (Jackie) Benton of Jackson, TN, and Rex Allen Benton of Murray, KY. He also leaves his only grandchild, Shelby Leigh Outlaw (Matt) of Bells, TN, whom he thought the world of and loved dearly. He also leaves his sister, Carolyn Ann Keith; one sister-in-law, Charlotte Benton, and many loved nieces and nephews, and other family members.
Gary loved his family and friends and would be found on the weekends at the dragstrip, where he was a force to be reckoned with. He started his drag racing hobby when he won his first race at age 15. He was also a two-time IHRA Ironman Winner, was awarded Driver of the Year by Beacon Dragway, and had many winning weekends over the years.
Gary was also a member of the Night Moves Line Dancing Group and enjoyed watching NASCAR and drag racing, camping, fishing, and spending time with family.
Gary was a proud Heath High School Pirate, a Navy veteran, and a retiree of the Jackson Purchase Energy Cooperative. He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and was an avid University of Kentucky Wildcat Basketball fan.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ruby Benton, and his older brother Kenneth Benton.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Keith Tilford officiating. Burial will follow at Harris Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, June 29, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
