Benny Joe Jennings
Benny Joe Jennings, 84, of Caryville passed away peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.
While his family grieves his absence, they take immense comfort in knowing that Benny, who was legally blind for many years, has finally received his perfect sight and is now looking upon the face of Jesus. He had suffered for many years with diabetes, strokes and Parkinson’s disease.
Born in Lake City on Aug. 30, 1942, he was the beloved son of Kenneth and Nevaline (Vowell) Jennings. Benny was saved during a revival at age 15 and was a lifelong member of Pine Hill Baptist Church. He was a 1960 graduate of Lake City High School.
Benny was a man who deeply loved his country. He had the rare distinction of serving honorably in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. His military service shaped his strong character, discipline and dedication to helping others — traits that stayed with him throughout his life.
He married Helen Anita Lewis on May 20, 1963.
Benny joined the U.S. Navy in 1960 and served for 7½ years as a mail clerk. His assignments included the Atlantic Reserve Fleet in Orange, Texas; Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, where he served aboard the USS Mattaponi; Naval Air Station Norfolk in Virginia, where he served aboard the USS Shasta; and Naval Air Station Glynco in Brunswick, Georgia.
He brought his young family back home to Tennessee after leaving the Navy in 1968. He sold insurance for Home Beneficial and worked at Modine Manufacturing and Y-12, but he still felt the need to serve his country.
Benny joined the U.S. Air Force in 1971. While serving as a supply sergeant, he was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina; Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan; Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in South Carolina; and Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia.
He retired from the Air Force as a master sergeant in 1984 after more than 20 years of military service. He moved back home to Tennessee and attended auto mechanic school because of his love for working on vehicles. He also worked part time as a mail carrier and later took a job with Boeing in Oak Ridge before his eyesight forced him to retire.
Benny had a lifelong passion for racing and working on vehicles. He also enjoyed mowing and woodworking and was always tinkering with something.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Nevaline Jennings; sister, Ruth Jennings; niece, Lee Ann Hendren; father- and mother-in-law, David and Hattie Lewis; brothers-in-law and their wives, Bobby and Faye Lewis and Mike and Geraldine Lewis; sister-in-law, Diana Lewis; nieces, Patsy Curl and Missy Brooks; and nephew, Robby Lewis.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Helen Lewis Jennings; daughters, Anita Sharp and husband, Nick, Debbie Wilson, and JoLana Carpenter and husband, Mitch.
As the father of three daughters, he was their first hero and taught them about duty, honor, courage and patriotic pride. He provided a unique childhood for his military brats by giving them the opportunity to experience different parts of the country and world.
He was thrilled to be Papaw to seven grandsons and two granddaughters: Joey Clevenstine; Justin Clevenstine and wife, Madison; Tyler Sharp and wife, Natasha; Shane Bullock and wife, Taylor; Andy Sharp and wife, Whitney; Chelsea Taylor and husband, Eric; Jeremy Wilson and wife, Cheyene; Kalli Sharp; and Trent Bullock.
He was the proud great-grandfather of 15 great-grandchildren: Ella Hembree, Carter Taylor, Emorie DeMarcus, Hadley Wilson, Addison Sharp, Haiden Wilson, Averie Taylor, Peyton Sharp, Kinsley Sharp, Tyson Sharp, Campbell Wilson, Harrison Sharp, Poppy Clevenstine, Kyzer Bullock and Cosette Clevenstine. The family is also expecting Sharp twins in April 2027.
He is also survived by sisters, Carolyn Hendren and husband, Robert, and Vicki Massey and husband, Richard; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins.
Benny also leaves behind the service members he worked alongside who became as much a part of his family as those related by blood, especially Jim Young. Their fierce loyalty, shared laughter and unwavering support for one another created a lifelong bond that time and distance could never diminish.
The family received friends at Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, with the funeral following at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Tom Aiken officiating.
Benny’s graveside service was held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at Leach Cemetery, where his seven grandsons served as pallbearers. Full military honors were presented by the Campbell County Honor Guard.
leachfamilyfuneralhome.com.
