Over just the past several days, Chattooga County has lost not one but two of its best known and most beloved community members.

Benjamin Franklin "Benny" Perry passed away Friday, March 4th at the Oakview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, at the age of 84.

Perry served as a member, and as Chairman of the Trion School Board and as mayor for the Town of Trion.

He was also a member of Trion Masonic Lodge #160, and the Shriners' Temple; Perry was a member of the Trion United Methodist Church – and was known to one and all as the owner of Benny's Tri-Sum Foods between Summerville and Trion.

Perry was also a veteran of the United States Navy.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday (March 8th) at 2:00pm, at the Trion United Methodist Church with burial to follow in West Hill Cemetery.

Graveside Masonic Rites will be conducted by Masonic Lodge #160.

The family will be receiving friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Mason Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Also, the owner of one of the longest-running businesses in the history of Chattooga County has passed away at the age of 97.

Mr. James Harry Marks – owner of Mark's Auto Sales, passed away at his residence Sunday morning.

Everyone around the area knew the slogan "Mark's Auto Sales – Time Sales Since 1940" and Mr. Mark’s was in the used car business for some 74 years serving as a member of the State Used Car Board in the 1980’s following his appointment by Governor Joe Frank Harris.

Marks was a veteran of World War II and he served in the Army Air Corp with tours of duty in North Africa, Corsica, Sicily, Sardinia, France and Germany; he served as First Lieutenant in the 320th Bombardment Group from 1942 – 1946.

Memorial services will be held Sunday at 4:00pm, in the First Presbyterian Church of Trion with visitation being two hours prior to the service.

Mason Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.