Benny Fesmire

Benny D. FesmireBenny D. Fesmire, age 76, of Jackson passed away Monday, December 14, 2009, at the Jackson Madison County General Hospital after an extended illness. He was the son of the late Ben Hooper and Euda Beecham Fesmire. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a brother Charles Fesmire.The family will be receiving friends on Thursday, December 17, 2009 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Arrington Funeral Directors. A private service will be held later for the family with Rev. Jimmy Breedlove officiating.Mr. Benny, as he was known to most, graduated from Humboldt High School and the West Tennessee Business College. During his career he spent 10 years with the National Guard and was employed at the Milan Arsenal, IBM, Peoples Protective Life, ITT, Kellogg, and did accounting work for Whilite?s Union 76. He later became Vice President of First National Bank where he worked for 11 years. In 1984, he and his former partner, Bruce B. Haltom, founded and co-owned B & H Investments, Inc., which recently celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary. He was also a former owner of Griffin Funeral Home of Jackson. It was through his business that his generosity showed. He was known by many as one of the most benevolent men they had ever met. Mr. Benny had a true passion for making the dreams of his customers a reality. He was known for contributing to various schools, civic organizations, and churches throughout the West Tennessee area. In appreciation of his support, the Theatre at The Ned was named in his honor. Mr. Benny also enjoyed serving within the community. He served as past chairman of Rothrock Stadium and was one of the first to manage Jackson?s Oman Arena. He also managed American Legion Baseball for several years and was in charge of ticket sales for the NAIA Women?s National Tournament. Mr. Benny had a true love for Union University where he formerly served as a member of their Board of Trustees. He had a passion to support the student athlete. He was an avid sports fan attending sporting events of his grandchildren and the Union Bulldogs until and even through some of his illness. In recognition of his support, the Fesmire Field House and Fesmire Fields (baseball and softball) at Union were named in his honor. He, along with his wife, was inducted into the first class of the Union University Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.As a member of the West Jackson Baptist Church since 1955, he generously supported the Child Development Center where his wife, Norma, has worked for over 43 years.Mr.Benny was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 56 years Norma Jean Fesmire; Son, Benny D. Fesmire Jr. and his wife Sherry; a Daughter, Terri Sadler and grandchildren Brad Taylor, Jenni Sadler, Benjie Fesmire, Katie Beth Fesmire, and Jordan Fesmire.Pallbearers for the private service will be Brad Taylor, Benjie Fesmire, David Marbury, Dr. David Blackstock, Tommy Sadler and Taylor Johnson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jordan Fesmire and Dr. Billy Belew.