Benjamin H. Denton

Preceded in death by Sadie Lee (Gibson) Denton (mother), Benjamin Harrison Denton (father), Joan H. Toney (life companion), Floyd Henry Denton (brother), Elsie Lee Smith (sister), Elizabeth Denton (sister). Mr. Denton leaves behind Leann Toney LaRose (step daughter), Rachel Harwood (Derrick) and Caren Peacock (granddaughters), Eric Stanley Bright (Ashley) (nephew), and a host of great nephews and a multitude of life-long friends.

Bennie was born in Clarksville, TN in 1930 and after a long-standing career in the U.S. Army, he joined the Juvenile Court of Metro Nashville & Davidson County in 1967 where he retired in 2024 as one of the longest running employees in Davidson County, TN history. During his career, Bennie helped tens of thousands of Nashville youth and has been recognized countless times throughout his career with his most recent recognition from Mayor O’Connell celebrating 59 years and 5 months of unwavering service to Metro Government and Juvenile Court. The most rewarding part of his life’s work was when the many juveniles returned to him, or wrote him letters, explaining where they were in life and thanking him for turning their lives around. 

As many know, Bennie was a unique individual to whom money meant little and time meant everything. He never got in a hurry and always had time to help anyone in need. When he was not working, you could find him riding his bike around his beloved hometown of Old Hickory, TN or at his farm enjoying the great outdoors. Bennie passed away peacefully surrounded by family and this great loss will not soon be forgotten. 

“If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life!” – Bennie Denton