Benny Kirksey

William Benton "Benny" Kirksey, 69, a lifelong resident of Cleveland, TN passed away on June 19, 2024. Benny was born on September 11, 1954, to the late Paul Richard Kirksey and Elsie Ruth Benton Kirksey.

He gave his life to Christ at 10 years old and remained a devoted Christian throughout his life. He was a graduate of Cleveland High School where he was a two-sport athlete, playing football and baseball. His baseball career took him to Tennessee Tech University, where he played baseball and graduated with his Bachelor's degree, before sitting for his CPA license, catapulting him into his 40-year career as a partner with Wedgewood Accounting Firm. Benny loved traveling, hunting, hiking, and watching sports. One of his greatest joys was being "Pops" to his grandkids, and he loved spending time with them.

He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for more than 35 years. He also chaired the finance committee for many years and served on the building committee and MAC Team. Benny taught Sunday School in the youth ministry and was a camp counselor at Camp Rutledge and then Camp Cherokee for many years. Benny participated in many Mission Tours as well as mission trips to Egypt.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Donna Bryson Kirksey; children: Bryce Kirksey (Kate), Jessica Hamilton (Luke), and Brett Kirksey (Cana); sister Dranda Whaley of Nashville and grandchildren: Miles, Sage, Adi Beth, Asher, and Colter.

Benny's family will receive friends on Saturday, June 22nd at First Baptist Church Cleveland from 10:30am until 2:00pm. A Celebration of Benny's life will be held at the church at 2:00pm following visitation with Pastors Jeff Lovingood and Jordan Easley officiating. He will be laid to rest following his service at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens with Wes Smith, Terry Smith, Ken Wallace, Melvin Elder, Scott Hall, Jeff Lovingood, and Chuck Evans serving as pallbearers alongside his grandchildren.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Benny or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Kirksey family with these arrangements. Memorial contributions in memory of Benny can be made to the Generations Fund at First Baptist Church.