Benjamin Plant

1939 - 2022

Plant, Benjamin Crawford "Ben", 82, of Oak Ridge, TN, passed away April 23 after a valiant battle with Amyloidosis. Born in Rockmart, GA, November 16, 1939, he graduated from Rockmart High School (1957), West Georgia College, the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. He began his career at Lockheed Martin in Marietta, switching to banking after graduate school, initially with First National Bank of Atlanta. Ben moved to Oak Ridge in 1969 to work with Hamilton First National Bank, later working for its successor organizations, including Union Planters, and other area banks. He perhaps most enjoyed teaching part time at Roane State Community College; many students kept in touch with him from his time there. Ben rounded out his career with 10 years spent as a financial advisor. He was an avid outdoorsman, including serving two terms on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission. He also loved his hunting dogs, for a time raising Brittany Spaniels and Springer Spaniels. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Jennie Plant and beloved brother Frank Plant, all of Rockmart, and special niece Melia Shaw Sartor, Marietta.

Survivors include his companion of more than 20 years, Martha L. Cochran; children, Jennifer Plant Johnston (Tom), Nashville, and B. Andrew Plant (Bill Golden), Atlanta; and grandchildren Elizabeth Johnston, Kate Johnston, and Will Johnston. Ben also is survived by his sister, Jeanette Plant Shaw of Marietta. He always especially cherished his nieces and nephews, who survive him: Marla Shaw Lobus, Penny Plant Phillips and Matt Plant. Sandra Whitten Plant, the mother of his children, also survives him.

Ben was cremated; it was his wish that his cremains be scattered with those of his adored dogs. Per Ben's wishes, no funeral will be held. Donations may be made to wildlife conservation and animal rescue/care organizations of your choice. Special thanks to Rockmart High classmates who stayed in touch through the years, especially during Ben's illness.