A.T. Bennett

A.T. Bennett, 91, of Nashville, formerly of Kingsport, TN, died March 31, 2021, following a brief illness.

He was born June 12, 1929, as the second of seven children born to the late Lennie Gamble Bennett and Ray Clarence Bennett.  Growing up in Knoxville, he entered the US Army at age 15 and proudly served in Germany, Japan, and Korea from 1945-1953, rising to the rank of Master Sargent.  During his service overseas, he became ‘pen pals’ with the former Virginia Shelton, whom he would ultimately marry and make his home with in Kingsport until their relocation to Nashville in 2010.  A.T. was a longtime employee of Arcata Graphics (Kingsport Press) until his retirement in 1985, and he later spent many years with Head Start of Northeast Tennessee, where he cherished being ‘best buddies’ with hundreds of pre-school children.  More than anything, A.T. loved being ‘Granddaddy’ to Amy and Brad and taking them on countless trips, often to see his beloved Vols play.

He is survived by his daughter, Pat (Ron) Akard; grandchildren Amy (Kevin) Millslagle and Brad (Terrah) Akard; great-grandchildren Kennedy Millslagle, Taylor Millslagle, Parker Millslagle, Hayes Bennett Akard, and Owen Akard, all of Nashville; one sister, Margaret Horner, of McDonough, GA; one brother, Carl Bennett, of Jonesborough, TN; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cherished friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Virginia Shelton Bennett; his daughter, Janet Leigh Bennett; and his brothers Horace Dewey Bennett, Ray Edward Bennett, Robert Lee (Bob) Bennett, and Rev. William Clarence (Bill) Bennett.

A private interment with follow at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Nashville.  Contributions in A.T.’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Research  Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.