Benitez, Raul, was born in Mexicali, Mexico on November 28th, 1922 crossing over with his mother at a year old. The youngest of six children and the only one born in Mexico. He grew up on 2nd street in Santa Ana with his siblings: Richard, Rosaura, Ramiro, Rachel and Robert. During the depression he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps; he sent all his earnings back home to his mother, Dolores Soto Benitez. He was a medic in WWII, serving in France and Japan - becoming a naturalized citizen as a reward for service. Instantly upon returning home he met the love of his life, Ophelia Saldana Benitez while driving around downtown Santa Ana. Together they had three daughters: Roslyn Benitez, Robin Benitez and Regina Martin. For decades his brothers and he ran the Benitez Barber shop on Fourth St. and was once visited by President George W. Bush during the 2000 election cycle. An avid golfer, Raul was known to play weekly at Willowick golf course and he joined several local golf associations over the years. He was extremely devoted to his church, the Orange County First Assembly of God ministry in Santa Ana. He is survived by his 3 daughters; 5 grandchildren, Jamie, Darios, Maya, Risa and Hilary; and 2 great-grandchildren, Simone and Elias. The viewing will occur at the OC First Assembly of God Church, 1440 E Santa Clara from 9-11 am, services will follow there at 11am with burial at the nearby Fairhaven Cemetery on Tuesday March 18th.