Bruce Benton

Bruce Anderson Benton went to be with his Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, February 23rd, 2024.

Bruce was born on May 19th, 1961 in Knoxville, TN  to Samuel & Bettye Benton.   He graduated from Central High School where he loved playing trumpet in the band. He then went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelors degree in Business as well as a Bachelors degree in Transportation & Logistics.

Bruce grew up at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church.  He sang in the choir and on the Living Christmas tree for several years. He still liked going to Wednesday night suppers there.  He liked attending services but wished they would sing more hymns!

Bruce loved all University of Tennessee Athletics, especially football & basketball.  For many years if Bruce knew your address he would send you a pocket schedule for UT football and basketball schedules in the mail.

Bruce loved people and would talk to anyone who would carry on a conversation with him wherever he went.  He always had a lot to say no matter the subject!

Above all, Bruce loved the Lord.  He read his devotional with his longtime special friend, Amy over the phone most mornings and felt they were helping him understand his life.

Because of his faith, Bruce was mostly content with his earthly situation;  many times stating that because of his struggle with mental health issues he was a stronger person.

Bruce is preceded in death by his mother and father.  He leaves behind his sisters Rebecca (Dennis) Odom, Jane Bailey (Jim Smith) , Toni Benton-Reagan, nieces and nephews Allison (Josh) Rice, Adam Bailey, Kelsie Reagan, Cody (Maddie) Reagan, Joel Odom as well as his great nieces, nephews, & cousins. He also leaves his special friend mentioned above, Amy Willoughby.

Heartfelt thanks to Bruce’s doctors and the wonderful staff at Tennova North hospital.

A very special thanks to his longtime therapist and family friend Charles Bankston.

The family will have a celebration of Bruce’s life to be announced at a later date.

The family asks contributions be made in Bruce’s honor to NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness)