Truman Douglas Benton, Jr.

CHURCH HILL – Truman Douglas Benton (Doug) died on October 10, 2023. He was the son of Helen Bailey Benton and Truman Douglas Benton, Sr. He was born May 29, 1944 in Church Hill, TN. His maternal grandparents were Noah and Elsie Bailey with whom he spent much of his childhood in the Goshen Valley section of Hawkins County. He loved spending free time where his great-grandfather Joseph Britton Bailey and his great­ Grandmother Hile Elizabeth St. John Bailey lived and worked.

Doug graduated from Church High School. He has enjoyed frequent class meetings with members of the class of ’62 who have remained lifelong friends.
Doug began his college education at Lincoln Memorial University, then continued at East Tennessee University where he earned BS and MBA degrees.

Doug was an avid environmentalist who could find the splendor of God’s creation from the first songbird of morning to the setting sun. He was extremely concerned about the preservation of the land and animals of our planet.
Doug was devoted to his wife, Jennie Blakely Benton, formerly of Rock Hill, SC, his son, David, and his grandchildren Bailee and Waylon Benton.

Doug and Jennie were happily married for over 52 years. Together they enjoyed listening to music, working puzzles, college football. They also enjoyed the time spent with their wonderful friends and their son and grandchildren.
Doug was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was especially proud of David and greatly admired his courage and tenacity during his years in law enforcement in the area as well as his compassion and energy used as he serves as a paramedic in Hawkins County EMS. David has always been proud of the skill and hard work daily displayed by his co-workers.

Doug is survived by his loving sister, Sharon Benton Engel. He also has a half- brother, Jack Benton of Kingsport. Another half- brother, Gary Benton, and half sis, Pat Benton Johnson are deceased.
Doug served in the U S Air Force. He was stationed at Hq7th Air Force (DITMR), Saigon and the Hq 9th Air Force, Sumter, SC.

After his retirement from Eastman Credit Union where he made many lasting and valued friends, Doug worked researching and updating his Bailey and Benton genealogy.
In his youth, Doug was a member of McPheeters Bend Baptist Church and was baptized September 15, 1959. He was a former member of Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church, and then a member of First Presbyterian Church for over forty years. There he and Jennie served as officers and Sunday School teachers and listened to the incredible teaching and sermons by insightful clergy. The family is grateful to the friends who supported Doug during his illnesses and the staff of Ballad Health for their dedicated service.

We also thank Dr. Zack Sumter, Dr. Shipstone, the cracker jack nursing staff at the Cancer Center, and a concerned and attentive pharmacist, Christy Lyons.

Burial will be at 10 AM Saturday at Church Hill Memory Gardens followed by Military Honors. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home by 9:15 AM to go in procession. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 followed by a reception at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsport.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church or The Salvation Army.