Ralph L. Benhart Sr.
FRANKLIN—Ralph Lewis Benhart Sr., 79, died April 25, 2009, at his residence.
He was born in Elmhurst, Ill., the only child of the late Clarence and Bessie Wiltse Benhart.
Mr. Benhart was predeceased by a daughter, Peggy Ann Benhart.
He was the owner of Benhart’s GMC Sales and Service and served in the US Navy Reserve.
He was a 15 year volunteer with The Commemorative Air Force and was instrumental in the restoration of the WW II vintage B-26, Carolyn.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Frances Brace Benhart; two daughters, Teri Dispensa (Phil) of St. Charles, Ill. and Lynn Deutsch (Steve) of West Chicago, Ill.; one son, Ralph L. Benhart Jr. (Jill) of Smithfield; seven grandchildren, Collette Sirovatka, Rhonda Robinson, Jeni Maddaleni, Daniel Deutsch, Kevin Deutsch, Alex Benhart and Sean Benhart; three great-grandchildren, Marisa Sirovatka, Dylan Sirovatka, and Jake Robinson; and his beloved Boston Terrier, “Baby.”
A memorial service will be held in Illinois in June.
Memorials may be made in the name of Peggy Ann Benhart to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Judes Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Wright Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Condolences may be offered at wwwwrightfuneralhome.org.