Ralph Taylor Benson, age 86, of Athens, went home to be with the Lord surrounded by his loving family, Thursday, September 12, 2019, at his home.
He was a lifelong resident of McMinn County and was a son of the late G.K "Shorty" and Hilda Wright Benson. He was also preceded in death by his grandson; Brett Benson Allmon.
He was a long time member of East Athens Baptist Church, was an Auctioneer, Farmer, a Real Estate Developer, served on the McMinn County Council, former board member of the Fort Loudon Regional Library, and was an honorary member of the Athens Kiwanis Club. He owned and operated Benson's Saw Shop for many years, and taught in the McMinn and Bradley County Schools Systems.
Ralph served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years: Johnnie Hanks Benson of Athens.
Three Daughters and sons in law;
Debbie and Wayne Allmon; Beth and Gary Bowman; Jan and Boyd Reynolds, all of Athens.
Grandchildren: Nicholas (Jamie) Allmon, David Bowman, Kevin(Mason) Reynolds,
Bonnie (Ewing) Smith, Amber (Brad) Pfister, Mandi (Josh) Decker, Hali (Ross) Reynolds.
Great-granddaughters: Penelope, Sybie, and Brett Ashley Allmon;
Brynn and Jovie Smith; Lainey and Audrey Pfister; AvaLynn and Lydia Decker.
A sister; Carolyn Benson Barnett of Athens;
A brother and sister in law; Wayne and Donnie Benson of Niota.
A Graveside Service will be conducted, 3:00 pm, Saturday, September 14, 2019, at McMinn Memory Gardens, with Rev. Mike Dannel and Rev. Jason Robertson officiating. Interment will follow with Military Honors.
The family will receive friends Saturday from Noon until 2PM at the funeral home prior to the graveside service. Grandsons will serve as Pallbearers.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Brett Benson Allmon Outstanding
Youth Scholarship fund; C/O the Athens Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 614,
Athens, TN 37371