Grady L Bennett

Grady L. Bennett, age 91, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away due to Covid-19 complications on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. He was born in Ellijay, Georgia on January 13, 1930. Grady is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth (Bettye) Carolyn Gott, parents, Fred T. Bennett and Gladys A. Chadwick; sister, Loral Vanderwestin (Bill); brothers, William (Bill) Bennett (Margaret Anne) and Harry Bennett (DeAlva).

Grady will be remembered by his sons, Steve Bennett (Donna), Jim Bennett (Patty); grandchildren, Beth Ford, Kerri Thompson (Matt), Patrick Bennett; great grandsons, Zeke Bennett, Liam Ford, Luke Thompson; sister-in-law, Marye Katheryne Loy Rose (Aunt Kaki).

Grady moved to the Knoxville area with his family where he, his Dad and brother Bill worked crops in the river bottom fields now known as the Seven Islands State Birding Park. Grady coached midget-football, basketball and baseball when his sons were young. Bettye and Grady loved supporting the Lady Vols, following them from Hawaii to England. They were charter members of the Lady Vols Booster Club. Grady collected UT football tickets at Gate #9 and ushered for men's UT basketball for many years and participated in many other UT activities.

Grady was employed at S.H. George Company where he met the love of his life, Bettye. He also worked at K-25 in the canteen as a grill man. His 30 year career was with Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) where he excelled in customer service specifically in appliance repair and security lighting. After retiring from KUB, Grady worked at Dollywood. His grandchildren cherish their memories going to Nannie and Papaw's and their exciting Dollywood adventures. Grady worked at the Tennessee A&I Fair where he enjoyed the fellowship with his Fair family.

Grady was a member of the Holston Rose Society and known for bringing beautiful roses to his friends and family for all occasions. He tended to hundreds of roses in his backyard and won many awards for his efforts.

Grady was an active member of the Marble City Baptist Church serving as a long-time trustee. He was a member of the Shekinah Masonic Lodge #524 and was involved in the Sutherland Heights Community with the historic signage and establishing sidewalks along Sutherland Avenue.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Seven Islands State Birding Park or to a charity of your choice.

Thanks to the dedicated healthcare workers on the 7N floor at Ft. Sanders, Billie, Ashley and Alex. We would also like to thank the health care workers at PCM that assisted him the past few years, especially Fatou, Lari, and Emily.

Grady will be smiling from ear to ear as he collects tickets and welcomes folks at the gates of Heaven. Grady loved his God, his family and friends deeply.

Due to Covid, a Call of Convenience will be held for Grady on Sunday, the family will not be present. August 29, 2021 from 1-3pm at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home. A private Graveside will be held at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Bennett family.