Willie Benson Jr

Obituary for Willie 'Will' Edd Benson, Jr. Willie Edd Benson, Jr (aka 'Will') unexpectantly moved from earth to paradise on March 19, 2020 at his home in Cleveland, Tennessee. Will was born on April 28, 1964 to his parents, The Late Willie Edd Benson,Sr and Starlet Jean Ray Benson in Johnson City, Tennessee. Will attended Johnson City Public Schools and quickly discovered his passion; music; and everything it had to offer. Will began his musical journey under the direction of, and the tutelage of, then Band Director, Mr. Vincent Dial at North Side Elementary in Johnson City, Tennesse. Will continued his passion at the intermediate level in junior high, at Liberty Bell's Independence Hall, where he found himself often competing for 1st Chair Clarinet in both the Concert Band and in the Orchestra and usually winning the seat. The highlight of his musical journey came when he was selected to be the First African American Drum Major for the Science Hill Hilltopper Marching Band from 1980 - 1982. Willie was the first African American to hold this position in upper East Tennessee throughout Southwest Virgina. And he performed like no other during the half-time shows at the football games, many times under racial threats, yet focused on the task at hand. Will sought higher education at East Tennessee State University where he also led the Buccaneer Marching Band in its half-time shows. Will graduated with a Bachelor in Music Education in 1986. While attending ETSU will became a member of the Music Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha, of which he was extremely proud. Will moved to Phoenix, Arizona and finished his educational journey, to receive his Master of Music Education. Will found his forever home at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee. He accepted the position of Professor of Music at the College and was loved by his colleques and the surrounding community. During his residency in Cleveland, Will was a beloved member of several organizations: USBC, a few clogging teams, and the Elks Lodge just to name a few. He was heavily involved in various charitable causes to benfit people, no matter their age, race or social status, he just loved people. Will was a devoted member of his church, Grace Episcopal Church of Chattanooga, TN where he was a part of the choir. And he frequently attended St. Luke's Episcopal Church of Cleveland, Tennessee also where he was a designated server. Willie E. Benson, Jr. was preceeded in death by his Father, Willie Edd Benson, Sr.; Two Special Grandmothers, Lydia B. Benson and Mary Elizabeth(Granna)Muston; one Aunt, Beverly A. Benson; and one Special Great-Uncle, John H. Warren II. He leaves to everlastingly ache over his passing: his mother-Starlet Jean Benson Williams, Johnson City; sisters: Wjualana Benson, Johnson City; Hope(Bill)Tackett, Lutz, FL; Neoyshi(Charles)Johnson, Savannah, GA; brothers: Sean(Kristie)Benson, Fort Dix, NJ; John(Charlene)Jackson, Elizabethton, TN; great-aunt: Donna Mae Warren, Detroit, MI; two aunts: Lisa A. Jackson, Elizabethton, TN; Mary Elizabeth Benson, Sacramento, CA; one uncle: William(Nikita)Starnes, Nashville; 8 nephews: Ayston Benson, Darnell(Dakota)Jones, Detric Hancock, Devon Scott, Kristopher Tackett, John A. Jackson III, Sean J Benson II, Kristian Benson;4 nieces: Jackie(Cerrick)Bowers, Niyata Hancock, Jessica Johnson, Laniyah Jackson; his special great nephew and niece: Keenon amd Jaenai Clayton and the newest edition to the family, Draya Raeann Jones(born 7 days after his passing) He also leaves to mourn his passing a host of relatives and friends. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be postponed until a later date. Condolences can be sent to his mother and family by email: wjualanabenson@gmail.com or at the residence of his mother. The family of Willie Edd Benson Jr. will be receiving friends on Saturday, September 5th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at the Langston Center located at 315 Elm St in Johnson City. There will be a private Memorial Service for the family to follow. Masks are required to attend.

Willie Benson Jr

April 28, 1964 - March 19, 2020