Jack Benson Sr.

Jack Benson Sr., 85, of Chattanooga, an educator, political leader, statesman, community servant, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to all, passed away Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, in a local hospital. He was born Sept. 2, 1929, in Dayton, Tenn., to the late William E. and Dolly Murphy Benson. His grandfather, the late King Benson, was former mayor of Dayton. Jack graduated from the Rhea County Public School System. He received his bachelors degree from Peabody University in Nashville and masters degree from the University of Chattanooga. He continued post-graduate studies at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Benson served in the Chattanooga City School System at multiple schools as a coach, teacher and principal for many years. He became the youngest Principal for that time at age 26. He served in the central office as assistant to two superintendents before retiring. During his tenure he served on the board of directors of the National Education Association. Jack was executive director for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga for fifteen years. He was a member of St. Peter & Paul Basilica. He was a City Council Member for twelve years and served as vice-chairman for two terms, as well as chairman for two terms. He was part owner of Southern Cabinets & Lighting. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Karen Renee Benson; father-and-mother-in-law, Commissioner Pat and Queena Wilcox. Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Kay Wilcox Benson; sons, Mark (Beth) Benson, Patrick (Jan) Benson; and William "Jack" Benson Jr., all of Chattanooga; sisters-in-law, Patrice (Brian Cook) Wilcox, of Chattanooga; and Sheila Gordon Wilcox, of St. Petersburg, Fla.; four grandchildren, Travis and Shelby Benson, of Chattanooga; Patrick "Pat" Benson Jr., of Chattanooga, Katie Benson, of Dallas, Texas; stepgrandchildren, Ashley Rue, Anna Hughes, Shelby Wease and Trey Wease; and three stepgreat-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at St. Peter & Paul Basilica with Father Bertin Glennon officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery with full military honors. Honorary pallbearers will be the former Mayors and Council Members with whom he served. The family will receive friends from 2-6 p.m. today, Jan. 18, 2015, at the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home located at 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Memorial contributions may be made to Big Brother/Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga on line at www.bbbschatt.org, or at 2015 Bailey Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404; or to the McKamey Animal Center online at www.mckameyanimalcenter.org. or at 4500 North Access Road, Chattanooga, TN 37415. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com. Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.