W. Jack Benson

W. Jack Benson, Sr., age 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, January 15, 2015 in a local hospital.

He was born September 2, 1929 in Dayton, Tennessee 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 Bachelor’s degree from Peabody University in Nashville and Master’s 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 Corp 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 & 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, Florida; four grandchildren, Travis and Shelby Benson of Chattanooga; Patrick “Pat” Benson, Jr. of Chattanooga, Katie Benson of Dallas, Texas; step-grandchildren, Ashley Rue, Anna Hughes, Shelby Wease, and Trey Wease; and 3 step-great-grandchildren;

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter & Paul Basilica with Father Bertin Glennon officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. 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 Sunday, January 18, 2015 from 2-6 p.m. at the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home located at 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421.

Memorial contributions may be made to Big Brother/Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga on line at www.bbbschatt.org, or at 2015 Bailey Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404; or to the McKamey Animal Center online at www.mckameyanimalcenter.org. or at 4500 North Access Road, Chattanooga, TN 37415.

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421.