Basil Franklin Bennett

Basil (Jack) was born in Cunard, WV to Lunda Paul and Hazel (Saunders) Bennett on September 23, 1942. One of the women at his birth exclaimed,”Oh, look at the little JimmyJack” and thus his nickname followed him throughout grade school. It wasn’t until junior high that he discovered his name was really Basil. Basil F. Bennett of Crossville, TN, formerly from Oak Hill and Charleston, WV, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2022, after extended illnesses. Basil was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He enjoyed serving as a deacon, helping wherever needed and was a member of the church school board. Although he wasn’t able to carry a tune in a bucket, he loved singing with his church family. He was looking forward to singing “Lift up the trumpet and loud let it ring. Jesus is coming again,” when he was able to return to church.

Basil served in the Navy for four years in the 60’s and upon returning to civilian life, he went into office equipment service. He eventually became the owner of an office equipment supply company. Although he had only a high school diploma, (and many trade school certificates), he was a very successful businessman. He also owned several properties in Huntington, WV as well as his office equipment business.

Basil was an avid golfer, who loved hunting, fishing, and traveling. In his retirement years, he loved walking his dog, Romeo, and visiting with the neighbors. He became quite the social butterfly in Hunters Cove.

Preceding Basil in death were his grandparents, Basil and Dimie (Simmons) Bennett, and Franklin and Hattie (McDaniel) Saunders; his parents, Paul and Hazel (Saunders) Bennett; his sister, June Travis and his first wife, Carolyn (Painter) Bennett.

Basil is survived by his second wife, Nancy Rebecca (Becky) Bennett; daughter, Jacqueline Bennet, Ph.D. (husband, Rex Wolfe) of Onenato, NY; two grandsons, Jacson and Jarad Wolfe of Onenato, NY; sister, Deanna Nicosia (husband, Russell) of Bumpass, VA, brother, Paul Bennett (wife, Cathy) of Port St. Joe, FL; sister, Anna Bennett of Oak Hill, WV; and eleven nieces and nephews.

Basil has chosen cremation through the Neptune Society. A memorial service is planned for June 5, 2022 at 5 PM at the Crossville Seventh-day Adventist Church in Crossville, TN. There will be a celebration of life service as well on July 9, 2022 at 2 PM at the Boulevard Seventh-day Adventist Church in Charleston, WV.

Donations may be made in honor of Basil’s life in lieu of flowers to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/nashville-cremation for the Bennett family.