Gary Keith Benton-Elliot

Gary Keith Benton-Elliot, a cherished husband and friend, was born on July 15, 1955, in Cumberland County, North Carolina. He passed away on October 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and dedication that will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Gary's professional journey began after he graduated from Reid Ross High School in 1973. He embarked on a fulfilling career that spanned several notable roles, starting with Best Products from 1974 to 1995. He then pursued his passion for travel as a travel agent from 1995 to 1996, a role that brought him immense joy due to his enthusiasm for ocean liners and exploration. Following this, Gary dedicated an impressive 27 years to Replacements LTD, where he held various positions, contributing his knowledge and skills to the company.

A man of many interests, Gary was known for his wicked sense of humor, which endeared him to friends and family alike. He had an extraordinary ability to make friends easily and was fiercely loyal to those he cared about. Gary had a deep passion for model railroading and was a proud member of the Carolina Model Railroaders. His interests also extended to ocean liners, steam railroad travel, and a vast collection of Christmas ornaments.

Gary enjoyed taking photographs and bird watching, much to the delight of those who shared these moments with him. He had a green thumb and took great pride in his gardening, cultivating a beautiful outdoor space filled with life. One of his favorite pastimes was traveling to tour historic homes, especially those of colonial significance, which he relished.

Gary's world was one of magnificent monsters and historical calamities. He was perhaps best known for his lifelong, profound obsession with Godzilla and the entire pantheon of Toho monster movies. From the black-and-white original to the newest digital epics, he not only collected every film, but lived and breathed the legacy of the King of the Monsters. In his final six weeks at home, when he was finally able to rest after his accident, he found comfort and joy in his complete collection, watching all the films repeatedly on a loop, a testament to a childhood love that never faded.

He was a passionate collector, a trait that defined his life. His home was a gallery showcasing his meticulous eye, from the sparkling elegance of his Swarovski crystal figures and Lenox figurines to his elaborate collection of model trains and magnificent 1:18 scale diecast metal cars.

His intellectual curiosity also led him to the study and appreciation of monumental disasters, both natural and man-made. He held a particular fascination with the power and mystery of tornados. This deep interest was best reflected in his unparalleled film archive, which held a copy of every disaster film ever made. His collection spans from obscure foreign films to the 1912 silent film Saved from the Titanic, starring an actual survivor. If he wasn’t watching a Godzilla film, it was undoubtedly a disaster picture.

His greatest historical passion, however, was for the great ocean liner, The Titanic. Tying together his love for ocean travel and historical tragedy, he was a dedicated member of The Titanic Historical Society for decades. He was an avid collector of everything related to the ship, from memorabilia in every form to actual recovered artifacts, preserving the memory of the "ship of dreams" with profound reverence.

In 1995, Gary met his husband, George Tillinghast Benton-Elliot, over a shared love of the golden stars of Hollywood and classic movies. Their bond grew over the years into a lasting partnership that spanned three decades, marked by mutual respect and admiration.

Gary leaves behind his loving husband George; their de facto son, Stuart Caldwell; brothers-in-law, Jonathan Hall Elliot and Warren Sturdivant Elliot; sister-in-law Edna Garrison Elliot; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, all of whom will miss his vibrant spirit and infectious laughter dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Wingate Benton and Chellie Ward Benton, and his sister, Merle Benton Greene.

Gary Keith Benton-Elliot's presence enriched the lives of those around him. He will be remembered for his warmth, camaraderie, and the joy he brought into the world. His legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of family and friends as they carry forward the fond memories of a wonderful man.

In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to The Human Rights Campaign on their website.

https://give.hrc.org/page/145246/donate/1?locale=en-US

If you have any questions regarding the information that is needed please contact George at gte@triad.rr.com

To celebrate Gary’s life, the family welcomes friends to share photos on the obituary page.