Donald Paul Bennett

Donald Paul Bennett, 86, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He was born on December 25, 1939, in Ripley, Tennessee, to William Robert Bennett and Ruby Lee Tubbs Bennett.

Donald and his beloved wife, Frances Bennett, shared 50 years together and celebrated their anniversary on August 10. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, hard work, and a lifetime of memories.

Don was a member of Woodland Hills Church of Christ. He retired after 43 years with SMW Local 4. His craftsmanship can still be found throughout Memphis and the surrounding area. He was a natural teacher who willingly shared his knowledge and had an incredible mind for numbers. Don could complete a math problem in his head before you could write it down, always coming up with the correct answer.

Music was another great passion in Don’s life. A phenomenal drummer, Don was part of the Memphis-area music scene, playing at well-known venues including Leon’s, VFWs, and Hernando’s Hideaway. He had the opportunity to play alongside legendary musicians, including Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Isaac Hayes.

Above all, Don was a devoted family man, proud husband, father, and grandfather. He was his daughters’ first love, their protector, teacher, and biggest supporter. He instilled in them the importance of loving the Lord, working hard, telling the truth, helping others, enjoying life, and always being there for one another.

Don loved working in the yard, gardening, building things, swimming, fishing, camping, and spending time with family. He loved football, especially the Titans, as well as bonfires and fireworks. He enjoyed taking his family to see Christmas lights during the holidays. Christmas was his favorite time of year, and he loved decorating his house and yard with thousands of lights and Christmas displays.

To his grandchildren, Don was lovingly known as “Pepaw.” Being their Pepaw brought him tremendous joy, and he loved watching their accomplishments, whether it was cheering them on at a sporting event or helping them complete a school paper. The traditions and passions he had shared with his children continued into another generation.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Frances Bennett; his four daughters, Tiffany Bennett of Arlington, Tennessee; Paula Davis and her husband, Zach, of Arlington, Tennessee; Donna Buchanan and her husband, Allen, of Franklin, Tennessee and Gail LaCombe of Memphis, Tennessee; his seven grandchildren, Landon Norris, Caden Norris, Caleb Davis, Harper Busby, Jaxon Davis, Camryn Buchanan, and Bennett Buchanan; his sisters, Juanita Logan and Bettie Huggins; his brother, Bobby Bennett; his nephews and nieces; along with many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Dot Peyton, and his brother, Gene Bennett.

Don’s greatest legacy is measured by the family he built and the values he instilled in them. His faith, strength, work ethic, humor, love of music, and devotion to his family will continue through his children and grandchildren for generations to come.

A graveside service honoring Don’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 20, 2026, at Seward Cemetery, located on Washington Street and Highway 64 in Eads, Tennessee, with Brother Tim Alsup officiating. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Zach Davis, Bill Seward, Scott Seward, Danny Seward, Gene Bennett, Landon Norris and Caden Norris.

A celebration of life luncheon will immediately follow the service, hosted by the Sewards at 11774 Metz Place, Eads, Tennessee 38002.