Clyde Allen Benninghoff, age 78, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, passed away on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at the Warner Center for Caring surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Clyde was born March 25th, 1940, in Bellville, Ohio, to Alva and Helen (Russell) Benninghoff, the middle child between sisters Pamela and Beverly. He attended Bellville High School and was a standout in multiple sports for the Blue Jays in football (All Ohio), basketball, and baseball, graduating in 1958. He went on to attend Muskingum College on a football scholarship, the first to attend college in his family, and made the Dean�s List multiple semesters. He was an All-conference member of formidable teams in 1958, �59, �60 (OVC Champs), and �61. He set several receiving records, including receiving touchdowns in a season, which stood for 40 years. He also had a baseball tryout with scouts for the Cincinnati Reds. He graduated from Muskingum in 1962.

Following college Benninghoff began his career as a math teacher and football coach and married his first wife, Mary Rose McQuigg, whom he met at Muskingum. He pursued a Masters in mathematics, beginning work on it at Washington State University and completing it at Bowling Green State University while also coaching with the football team in 1964. He then coached football and taught mathematics at Van Wert High school, leading the Cougars to the conference championship in 1967 and 1969. During the summers he began working for the Franklin Life Insurance Company doing financial planning and selling life insurance, and shifted careers full time in 1970. In 1963 son William Todd was born, and in 1964 identical twins Steven Terry and Timothy Scott were born.

In 1972 he was promoted to Vice President and moved to Franklin�s headquarters in Springfield, Illinois. In 1976 he was promoted again to Regional Manager and moved to Akron, Ohio, to manage the Mohican region. In 1977 he married Paula (Polly) Tate, and welcomed children Shannon Michelle Kelly, Kevin Matthew Kelly, and Colleen Tate Kelly into the family. In his role as Regional Manager he was able to recruit, train, and mentor many excellent associates, help them start their own businesses, and build the Mohican Region. Clyde was as dynamic a business man as he had been an athlete, a teacher, and a coach, and grew and lead the region successfully for 25 years.

Clyde and Polly retired to Amelia Island, Florida where he continued to enjoy his family and his passion for golf, finally attaining his dream to play with his favorite partner at Augusta National.

He leaves behind his wife, Paula Tate Benninghoff (Polly) of Amelia Island, Florida; sisters, Beverly McCally of Mansfield, Ohio, Pamela Morrison of Syracuse, New York; children, Todd Benninghoff of Marlboro, Massachusetts, Steve Benninghoff (Michelle Burdick) of Whitmore Lake, Michigan, Tim Benninghoff (Leandra Drumm) of Akron, Ohio, Shannon Wallerius of Amelia Island, Florida, Kevin Kelly (Kristen) of Evergreen, Colorado, Colleen Recchia (Christopher) of Charlotte, North Carolina; grandchildren, Kerry Wallerius, Ryan Kelly, Logan Benninghoff, Erin Kelly, Andra Benninghoff, Lucia Recchia, Tate Recchia, Melina Recchia and Helen Benninghoff.

Please join us for a celebration of his life on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Amelia Plantation Chapel, 36 Bowman Road, Amelia Island.

Those desiring may make donations in Clyde�s memory, to Northeast Florida Community Hospice, Jane and Bill Warner Center for Caring, 1348 South 18th Street, Medical Office Building B, Fernandina Beach, Florida, 32034