R T Bennett

RT Bennett, age 92 of Springville, TN, died Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at his residence.

He was a member of Landmark United Pentecostal Church in Big Sandy, TN.  He was a licensed minister with the UPC International since 1957.  RT served as a District Official with UPCI for the state of Tennessee for 25 years.  He founded First United Pentecostal Church in Paris in 1960, where he pastored for 40 years.  He formerly owned and operated R.T. Bennett Sawmill in Paris.

RT was born October 11, 1928, in the Mansfield community of Henry County, TN, to the late Edward Bennett and the late Lottie McClain Bennett.

He was married January 5, 1946, to his first wife, Ruby Christine French Bennett, who preceded him in death on May 6, 2010.  He was later married November 27, 2010, to Shirley Sanders Bennett, who survives, of Springville, TN.

Along with his wife, he is also survived by his two daughters, Elaine (Jim) Evans of New Berry, FL, and Karen (Marty) Cobb of Martin, TN; his son, Charles (Barbara Thompson) Bennett of Paris; two stepsons, Tony (Cindy) Stepp of Springville, TN, and David (Robin) Stepp of Springville, TN; 17 grandchildren, Melissa (Rob) Marshall, Stacey (Michael) Spencer, Nichole (Donnavun) Burnett, Justin (Miquela) Cobb, Stephanie (Barry) Farmer, Teresa (Rick) Elza, Jeremy Bennett, Joshua Stepp, Laura (Zach) Carper, Matthew (Kyran) Davis, Reagan Stepp, Brody Stepp, Scott Stepp, Blaine Bomar, Lilli Stepp, Amber Thacker, and Paeten Stepp; 14 great grandchildren; and his dog, Annie.

In addition to his parents and first wife, he was also preceded in death by one daughter-in-law, Linda Bennett; three sisters, Lorene Webb, Alberta Hall, and Rosie DeMarco; and four brothers, OJ Bennett, Otis Bennett, Woodrow Bennett, and Steve Bennett.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  Visitation will be Saturday, January 16, 2021, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with the funeral to begin at 1:00 pm at LeDon Chapel of Ridgeway Funeral Home, with Sharon Crossno and Dennis Watts officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jeremy Bennett, Barry Farmer, Justin Cobb, Donnavun Burnett, Michael Spencer, Lucas Farmer, and Nathan Harris.  Named as honorary pallbearers are Rick Elza, Andrew Burnett, Dylan Spencer, and Vince Mathis.

Burial will be in Van Dyke Grove Cemetery in Paris, TN.

Memorials may be made to:  Tupelo Children’s Mansion, 1801 East Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38804 or at www.mansionkids.org.