Thomas Milton "Tommy" Benson

1965 - 2026

Local businessman, community leader, and sports enthusiast, Thomas M (Tommy) Benson, "earned his wings" on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at his home in Ripley after a long and courageous battle with illness.

Born on July 26, 1965, Tommy graduated from Ripley High School in 1984 and began working in the family lumber business shortly thereafter. In 1997, he and his father opened Benson Home Supply, where he continued to serve faithfully until his retirement in 2020. An article describing his business reads, "Whether you need lumber, lights, or laughs, this is the place to be. There is a casual coziness that exists there, if you come in for the coffee, the camaraderie, the latest Cardinal scores, or just because you don't want to miss anything." No purchase necessary!

Tommy was a family man who lived for "his girls" (wife and three daughters). Whatever their passion or project was also his. He was recognized as a people person who never met a stranger. Listening to bluegrass music, wearing Hawaiian shirts, and a distinctive wave from his pick-up truck in passing were recognizable traits of his outgoing personality. With his friendly demeanor and strong sense of loyalty, he was a treasured friend to many. Even during the serious illnesses and frequent hospital visits in recent years, he continued a wicked sense of humor, an amazing fortitude and resilience, and a witness to his faith that was incomparable.

Tommy was a lifelong member of Ripley First Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School, served on numerous committees, and was an acolyte trainer and usher. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Tippah Electric Power Association.

As an avid supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals, his enthusiasm for his favorite team left little doubt who he was rooting for. The allegiance to this particular team, which he and his grandmother shared, was featured in an article, "A Family Tradition," published in the Southern Sentinel in 2008. He also followed Nascar, and when greeting a special friend, they either held up "2" or a "3" attesting to their support of a favorite driver. Local sports also merited his support as he regularly sponsored and coached little league softball and baseball teams and led the "Chain Gang" for the high school football team for over twenty years.

Tommy is survived by his wife Kim Childs Benson; his daughters Carlee Harrell, Brooke Ann Hopper (Andrew), and Teigh Benson; his mother Carla Benson, brother Skip Benson (Becky); sister Teresa Cooper (Brad); and five grandchildren: Gage, Bo, Bren, and Ronnie Grace Harrell and Maggie Drew, and New Arrival, Baby Girl Hopper.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Benson, and his grandparents, Tom and Cecil Benson, and Milton and Doris Freeman.

Pallbearers: Chad Brown, Hunter Cornelius, Matt Childs, Keith Clark, Jeff Stokes, Witt Long, Jacob Ralph, Brian "Bubb" Caviness, Shane Bourg, Shane Taylor, Ken Cooper,

Honorary: Rosemary Reed, Billy Hoyt Richardson, Billy Ray Vance, The Breakfast Crew, The Ripley High School Chain Gang, The Ripley High School Class of 1984, The Tippah Electric Power Association Board

Tommy's visitation was held at McBride Funeral Home in Ripley, MS, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 7:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am, at McBride Funeral Home.

The family extends a heartfelt gratitude to the multitude of medical personnel and staff and faithful friends for their compassion, kindness, and excellent care, which were provided during his long journey through pain.

The family requests memorials be made to Ripley First Methodist Church, 302 S. Main St., Ripley, MS 38663.