John Robert Benefield

John Robert Benefield, age 91 of Puryear, TN, died Friday, November 17, 2023, at his residence.

John was born March 16, 1932, in Mokane, MO, to the late Charles Benefield and the late Margaret Keely Benefield.  He grew up in St. Charles, MO.  He graduated high school in 1950.  He was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY.  He served in the 11th Airborne Division and was honorably discharged in 1953.   

John met and married Gloris "Glo" Martin in 1953.  They resided in Owensboro, KY, and raised their four children, Richard "Ricky", Kimberlane "Kim", Marilyn "Kay" and John "Danny".

John worked as a supervisor in the construction of single-family homes, apartments, condominiums, hotels (including Embassy Suites), power plants, and amusement parks such as Disney World.

He was a very loved father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather. His affectionately given name from his grandchildren was "Tee Taw".  He was also very loved by his nieces, nephews, and extended family.  John had wonderful friends in his life, who were loved as family, Gary & Jackie Gamlin, David & Carleen Chandler, John & Debbie Carter, and Warren & Lori Bastiani.

John was a very gifted and artistic man.  He made beautiful yard art tin men and lovely woodworked trays and rolling pins.  His generous nature was so evident in the joy he had in giving these gifts to many people in the community.  He will be very missed by all.

He was also a member of Puryear Baptist Church for many years, of which he faithfully sent each member an annual birthday card for the past 15 years.  His wife, Glo, did this as a ministry, which he continued after her passing.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by his two daughters, Marilyn (Kay) Benefield and Kimberlane (Kim) McKee; and one son, Richard Shane Benefield.

He is survived by one son, John D. "Danny" (Carol) Benefield; two sons-in-law, Russell Keener and Steve McKee; four granddaughters,  Kaci Quinn, Misti (Jeff) Jecker, Michelle (Josh) Butler and Diane (Timothy) Howard; seven great grandchildren, Taylor (Derek) Suhrheinrich, Skylor (Chris) Crowe, Jacob Quinn, Delaney Howard, Hayden Barker, Jackson Tynes and Isabelle (Izzy) Butler; and three great-great grandchildren, Caiden Hite, Winston Suhrheinrich, and Keegen Crowe.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street, P.O. Box 788, Paris, TN  38242.  The body is to be cremated.  Memorial visitation will be Wednesday, November 22, 2023, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with the memorial service to begin at 11:00 am with Chad Kennedy officiating,

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.