Obituary of Benny Lee Phelps

Benny Lee Phelps, 72, of Smyrna, TN passed away Tuesday December 15, 2020. Benny was born in Indianapolis, IN on March 1st, 1947. He is survived by his wife Linda Phelps and daughters Tracy Phelps (Johnny) Miller and Jessica Phelps (Jeff) Jones. He was the proud grandfather of seven grandsons Ryan (Kayla) Miller, Justin Miller, Jackson Jones, Juddson Jones, Jamison Jones and Colten Phelps. He is preceded in death by his father Robert Lee Phelps of Somerset, Ky and Betty Jane Woodall of Cincinnati, OH and brother James (Jim) Robert Phelps also of Somerset, Ky, and grandson Jacob Phelps. Benny had an idyllic childhood growing up in a small town. His family moved to Ross, Ohio when he was 14. He had fond memories of friends always gathering at his house around the kitchen table and hanging out with his ‘cool’ parents. Benny excelled academically and athletically all through high school and college. He played football in high school and college and was very good. He would later go on to play semi pro football in Florida until an injury ended his career. He also enjoyed music very much. He joined a band called the Casino’s in Cincinnati after high school. They scraped together enough money to record a song entitled ‘You Can Tell Me Goodbye’. The song went on to be a number one hit. Benny left the band right after recording the song to attend Technical College in Florida where he would receive diplomas in Data Processing Technology, Computer Technology and Electronic Engineering Technology. He loved to learn and continued his education throughout the years completing multiple courses over the years. After receiving his Technical degrees in Florida he went on to work at Boeing Company at Cape Kennedy from 1966 to 1968 during the launch of Apollo 1. During this time the draft began for the Vietnam War. Benny did not wait for the draft, but instead enlisted in the Marines where he served for four years. Benny’s time and accomplishments in the Marines was not well known as he served in intelligence and worked directly with the CIA. During this time Benny held codes that only one other person had and was classified as a KBC because of this knowledge. This also gave him direct access and clearance to the White House. After the Marines he returned to Ohio in 1972 where he married the love of his life Linda. He and Linda and their 2 daughters moved to middle Tennessee in 1981 where Benny took a position with Nissan, helping to launch the new plant. Like his father, Benny was a Master Mason. He was a member of Montgomery Lodge #94 F&AM in Montgomery, Ohio. he was raised to sublime degree of Master Mason on December 30, 1980. Benny's grandson, Ryan is carrying on the tradition and is also a Master Mason. He was known for his infectious sense of humor, joke telling and quick wit. He left an impression on everyone that met him. He did not much enjoy large crowds of people, but preferred small intimate gatherings where he always captivated people with his playful personality and unstoppable sense of humor. His presence will be greatly missed by so many. He was not only a wonderful husband, father and grandfather but, a cherished man and mentor to many over the years. His love, humor, compassion, kindness and humor will never be forgotten. He made the world a better place. Rest in heaven...until we see you again. Visitation will be held 12:30 until 4:00 pm Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Murfreesboro Funeral Home with a Masonic service at 1:00 pm conducted by Rockvale Masonic Lodge #413 F&AM. Funeral service will be held 4:00 pm Saturday, December 19th, Tracy McCulloch officiating. Interment 1:00 pm Sunday, December 20, 2020 at Roselawn Memorial Gardens