NATCHEZ — Services for John “Jack” Fauntleroy Benoist, 80, of Natchez, who died Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, in Meridian, will be 3 p.m. today at First Presbyterian Church with the Revs. Noelle and Denny Read officiating.

Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. until time of services at the church.

Mr. Benoist was born March 15, 1929, in Natchez, the son of Percy Anderson and Rebecca Fauntleroy Benoist. He was a 1947 graduate of Natchez High School and a 1951 graduate of Louisiana State University, where he received a degree in chemical engineering.

Mr. Benoist served as a photographer in the U.S. Navy. He owned and operated Benoist Brothers Clothing Store for more than 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant sons, Percy Johnson Benoist and John Fauntleroy Benoist Jr., and one sister, Andre Benoist Williams.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Ann; one daughter, Julia Benoist Green and husband Dr. James Green Jr.; grandchildren James Reed Green III, Rebecca Caroline Green, John “Jack” Benoist Green, and Lucy Green, all of Meridian; one sister, Caroline Benoist Darling of Wilmington, Del.; four nephews Lyman Darling III, Edward Williams, Mark Williams and John Williams, and four nieces, Caroline Williams Polson, Mary Amelia Williams Prince and Rebecca Darling Spencer.

Pallbearers will be Glen Benoist, John Benoist, Keith Benoist, Lyman Darling III, Richard Smith, Edward Williams, Mark Williams and John Williams.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Armstrong, Paul Benoist, Jack Benson, Edward Eidt, I.J. Florence, Hayden Kaiser Jr., Clifton McCarstle, Brad McSwain, James Carroll Meng, Jay Meyers and Jack Pool.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, the Natchez Festival of Music or a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.