Billy Ray Benson was born in Hardin County, Tennessee on March 7, 1955, the son of the late Ollie Arlan and Mary Agnes Highland Benson. On February 14, 1976, he was united in marriage to Sharon Jean Johnson, who preceded him in death on March 20, 2019. Billy departed this life on May 9, 2019, at the age of 64 years, 2 months, and 2 days.
During his lifetime, Billy worked in various jobs in the food service industry and factories. He enjoyed woodworking projects in his spare time, but his biggest pleasure was spending time hunting in the woods around his community. Deemed a natural woodsman, Billy knew every plant and animal and could tell you stories about all of them. He also enjoyed playing pool and sharing laughs with everyone. Most of all, Billy enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and always stepped up to help others before his health degraded and limited his abilities. The love of his life was his wife of 43 years, Sharon. In those years, they shared good times and hard times together, and now they are reunited in peace.
Billy is survived by his sister, Brenda Gail Benson Davis of Savannah, Tennessee and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents and spouse, Billy was preceded in death by his brothers, J.C. Benson, Calvin Benson, James Benson and sisters, Shirley Sue Benson Robbins, and Anna Lou Benson.
Private services will be held at a later date.