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Benjamin Jernigan Obituary
Knoxville, TN
Benjamin Collins Jernigan, age 28, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, October 8, 2016. He was born September 23, 1988, in Knoxville and graduated from Bearden High School. Ben attended and received an associate's degree from Pellissippi State Community College and was working towards his Bachelors Degree at the University of Tennessee. He proudly served his country aboard the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan as a Mass Communication Specialist in the Unites States Navy. Ben was an avid musician and singer, he loved to sing and wrote his own music, even teaching himself to play the ukulele, guitar and drums. He was very creative, talented and artistic; taking beautiful photographs, creating drawings, illustrations, portraits, caricatures, cartoons, comic strips and stories. Ben also was an avid skateboarder.
He is survived by mother, Barbara Carter; father and step-mother, Guy and Darika Jernigan; sister, Amanda (Brian) Forrester; niece, Lilah Avery Forrester; aunt, Susan (Tom) Palmer; uncle, J. Michael Jernigan; extended family and many many good friends. Ben most loved his time spent with family and friends sharing and creating; brightening our days with humor and laughter. He was one of the most unique individuals ever and touched everyone he met in some way. Ben showed us all it's okay to be yourself. He is and always will be loved, missed and remembered by his family and friends. Rock on dear Ben.
A celebration and gratitude of Ben's life will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at the Church of the Savior, 934 North Weisgarber Road, Knoxville, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ben's honor to The Joy Of Music School, 1209 Euclid Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921, joyofmusicschool.org or Thistle Farms, 5122 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209, thistlefarms.org. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273), www.cremationoptionsinc.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Jernigan
Sponsored by Cremation Options, Inc..
Jim Verton
January 20, 2018
Ben was one of the most genuine people I ever met. He and I were a lot alike in the respect that we marched to our own drummer. Funny thing though, we jammed once in San Diego and he played drums. The world is missing out on your talent my friend. I thought about you the other day. I hope that wherever you are you felt that.
November 9, 2017
I miss my friend, Ben. I love you. I'm sorry.
Jesse Chait
September 27, 2017
I'm so sorry to be this behind in finding out about this horribly tragic loss. Ben, you were such a great soul. Always vibrant, goofy, big hearted and making everyone around you smile whatever the situation. This world is gonna miss you buddy. At least you will always be remembered for the love that you shared with those around you. I'm glad I had the pleasure of getting to know you at Cedar Bluff Middle.
Jeannie Holland-Bates
September 12, 2017
I had no ideal this happened to Ben. So sorry.
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DJ Hutson
June 26, 2017
Love you brother.
October 17, 2016
Ben you are an honor to our school and to all at Bearden High School.... thank you for your service to our country and to the school service you provided at Bearden High School and to my program!
Angelia Ford
BHS teacher
Mark Hobart
October 15, 2016
R.I.P. peaceful soul!
The Lord calls some of us home far too early, sometimes. Yet, it must be for a Godly reason.
-Mark Hobart
Jessica Harbin
October 15, 2016
Ben will be greatly missed! We worked at the hospital together and he would sing to me all the time. He was a happy bubbly person and that will be the way I will always remember him. Gone Too soon, but he is flying high now. We love you Ben.
Jessica Gadd
October 14, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I was a fellow student with Ben at West Valley and Bearden. He will be greatly missed and it is a terrible loss.
Ben's Photography
Jeffery Carter
October 14, 2016
Melissa
October 13, 2016
I am so sorry for the loss of Ben. He was an amazing and kind person and always himself. He always made me laugh when I was around him and I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to know him.
Tim Evans
October 13, 2016
Barbra, Amanda and Guy I am so sorry I just can not believe it. Please know you are all in my thoughts,I can't attend Saturday but will be thinking of you
Suzette Shelton
October 13, 2016
Please know I am deeply sorry for your loss. I am at a loss for words as this kid was absolutely precious...I know he was a young man...but I could see him being a little kid...he has so many friends that are crushed....my daughter being one...I so wish I could take the hurt away from her and all of his friends...he was definitely a lovely soul and way too young to be taken away from his friends and family. Love his heart...RIP Ben...watch over everyone...see ya soon lil man
October 13, 2016
I was stunned and deeply saddened to hear of Ben's passing. He was a student of mine last fall and spring at UT and I was quite fond of him. Ben was a bright, diligent and intriguing young man- a thinker. My thoughts and prayers are with his dear family and friends.
Chip & Kim Ayres
October 13, 2016
Guy & Barbara,
Kim & I are so sorry for your loss and are praying for you at this time in your life.
Ben was a wonderful young man who had so much to offer. He soul is free now and watching over all of us.
We will keep you in our prayers God Bless you all.
Joan Berry
October 13, 2016
To the family and frinds of Benjamin. Please except my heartfelt condolence for the tragic lose of Benjamin.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless
Joan Berry
HOPE for Victims
Lorrie Beevers
October 13, 2016
So sorry to hear about Ben's passing. We have many fond memories of Ben, Riley, Kori and DJ together on Roderick. Holding the family in the light. Love, Lorrie Beevers and Mark Waugh
Natalie
October 13, 2016
Fleeing back to the memories of riding bikes throughout our neighborhood, catching frogs & playing in the creek together & Him teaching me how to kick flip that I still haven't gotten down pact.
Ben was a great friend to me. Passing by in the hallways in 6th grade high diving to being study buddies 10 years later in college; this is unreal.
Much love Benz
I miss him now.
Doreen
October 12, 2016
Rest in Peace
Jon Arnold
October 12, 2016
Prayers for your family. Kristen and I were so saddened to hear the news. May God bring your family comfort during this tragic time. Guy, please let me know if you need anything.
The Arnold Family
Laurie Hall
October 12, 2016
Barbara, I am so sorry for your loss and I am definitely in prayer for you and your family during this time of bereavement. May God continue to be with you all.
Josie
October 12, 2016
Truly sorry for everyone's loss. Ben was so talented and kind with so many friends. He will be missed dearly.
Stan Hilton
October 12, 2016
Guy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you. We will be praying for you and your family. May God comfort you and be with you!
We love you little brother. You may be gone but you will never be forgoten
October 12, 2016
William
October 12, 2016
So very sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed by so many.
-William
Caitlin
October 12, 2016
I can't believe this. Ben was such an incredible soul. I haven't seen him in years but when I heard of this it crushed me. Ben was hands down the most quirky, friendly and fun spirit. Literally just to meet him was to love him. I'm greatly saddened, and miss him just thinking I'll never get to run into him and see that smile again. What a sweet soul that was completely adored by so many. I know the emptiness I feel doesn't compare to the great sorrow and holes left in so many of his close friends and family. My heart goes out to you all. Know that you will be thought and prayed for. I pray peace, comfort and answers can be found in such a time of confusion and pain. I pray that your pain may be eased, in time, by the joy of remembering Ben. Ben, you are so loved and deeply missed.
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