After a long battle with Alzheimer's, Bill (or Bus as he is known in his hometown of New Bern, NC) slipped peacefully into God's hands in his home Saturday night. He was humble, kind, gentle, smart, wise, and even though he often spoke with a stern voice he had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand to a stranger.  He loved being surrounded by family and friends while relaxing at home or enjoying such activities as boating, skiing, flounder gigging, and woodworking but his true passion was dancing with his wife of almost 63 years - Ann.  They enjoyed their membership at the Savannah Shag and Elks clubs.

Bill started working at Belk in New Bern while still in High School - sweeping floors and unloading trucks and was soon brought inside to the Boys Dept. His business attitude, drive for success, and unwavering commitment was soon realized.  He was quickly promoted and the foundation that led to a successful and fulfilling career was laid.  He was promoted to General Store Manager for the new store in Havelock, NC (the youngest Manager in the Company) and from there, moved on to the store in Union, SC.  A new upscale and modern mall that would be anchored by Belk and Sears was being built in Myrtle Beach, SC where he would be General Manager of Belk Myrtle Square and over the Conway, Murrells Inlet, and Briarcliffe Mall stores.  Thinking this would be his place of retirement, he and Ann settled in while the kids grew up, married and made lives of their own.  However, Belk had a different plan.  Bill moved on to Savannah, Ga in late '83 to become the General Manager of Belk at Oglethorpe Mall and Sr. Vice President over the Hilton Head Island store, Crossroads store, and Savannah Mall store.  Bill retired from Belk in 1993 to enjoy more time with his family.

Bill was predeceased by his father Bryan B. Benninghoff, his mother Margaret Wheeler, his stepfather Obed Wheeler, his brother Richard Benninghoff, and his son Bryan W. Benninghoff. He is survived by his beloved wife Shirley "Ann" Benninghoff, his son Allan Benninghoff (Jennifer), his daughter Christi Best (Ronnie), his daughter (in-law) Patricia (Bryan-deceased), his sister June Bohler, his sister Barbara Roberts, his 7 grandchildren - Al, Stuart, Megan, Morgan, Shawn (Amanda), Melissa (Chris), and Shannon (David), his 5 Great-grandchildren - Will, Preston, Annslee, Aeris, and Olivia.

Bill, Billyboy, Bus, Buzz, Mr "B", Dad, Daddy, Granddaddy, GGPa - Called by many names but all the same, simple man admired and respected by many. Rest peacefully until we see you again - There are no goodbyes in Heaven.

Memorial services will be held at 5:30 p.m., Friday, April 12, 2019 at Richmond Hill Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org or to Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.