Richard A. Benningfield
The funeral service has been postponed until
1:00 p.m. Thursday.
April 6, 1938 ~ January 12, 2018
Richard Allen Benningfield, 79, passed away peacefully at home with his family on Friday, January 12, 2018 following a long battle with cancer.
Richard was born in Campbellsville, Kentucky on April 6, 1938. He worked to put himself through college and ultimately became a teacher. He taught high school for 33 years at schools in Hardin County (KY), Florida, and Glasgow. Most of his years were spent at Glasgow High School, where he taught English to generations of Glasgow students. He was an amazing, gifted educator who impacted the lives of his students both inside and outside the classroom. The Kentucky writer Jesse Stuart wrote that “I am firm in my belief that a teacher lives on and on through his students. Good teaching is forever, and the teacher is immortal.” This is true of Richard.
As a member of the Glasgow Baptist Church, Richard was also proud of his Christian and democratic values. He believed strongly in treating people fairly and equally regardless of their race, background, or economic situation. He had a wit and wisdom and kindness that always shone through to the people around him. And he loved his Kentucky Wildcats.
Richard is preceded in death by his mother, Lily Campbell Harding and his two brothers, Bobby Benningfield and George Harding. He is survived by his wife, Betty Breeding Benningfield, and his three beloved children and their spouses, John Benningfield (Jackie Simpson Benningfield), Brack Benningfield (Michelle Smith Benningfield), and
Meg Benningfield Blevins (John Forbes Blevins). He also adored his four grandchildren: Drew Benningfield, Emily Benningfield, Anne Porter Blevins, and Richard Benningfield Blevins (Ben). He is also survived by a brother, David Harding of Campbellsville.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Columbia City Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. Visitation will be from 7:00 a.m. Thursday until time for services at the funeral home. Alternate expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the American Heart Association or to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital.
thoughts and prayers are with the family;such a wonderful man
Betty, John, & family: So sorry to hear about “Mr. B”. What a great teacher, and even a better man. Our thoughts & prayers are with you, and we share in your sadness. May the Lord bless you and keep you! Joe Harlan & Beth Stone & family.
To the Family of Mr.Benningfield,
I’m sorry for your Loss. Mr.Benningfield was my Favorite Teacher at GHS! You’re in my thoughts and Prayers. God bless
Mr. Benningfield was so kind to Fredia and me. He believed in us. That was so meaningful to me. I think he was one of the reasons that I became a teacher. His memory will be treasured. May God be with you during your time of grief.
Mr Benningfield and his family were very helpful and caring neighbors for my parents, especially for my mother after dad died. My personal acquaintance with Mr. Bennngfield was limited but I really appreciated his and Betty’s willingness to help any way they could. They were great neighbors!
Mrs B. John, Brack, & Meg,
I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr B. was not only a wonderful educator but in later years a dear, beloved friend. I was blessed to re-connect with him at Jr Foods during my years there. We talked on many subjects but our favorite was Jesus and faith. I will always remember those talks and his teasing me by calling me “Cloteela” He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
God Bless and keep you
Prayers for your loss. I had Mr B as both my teacher and my supervisor when I worked at the former Holiday Inn ( Highlander Restaurant) Rest In Peace friend!
John,
So many prayers for your family during this time. Mr. B was a great teacher…and later on a great friend. Hopefully it is a comfort to know how many lives he touched!
John, Betty and Family,
I would like to express my condolence in your time of sorrow. Mr.B was not only my teacher at GHS he was my friend. He truly was a man among men and I know he will be greatly missed. Thoughts and Prayers!!