Franklin – Ralph Lewis Benhart, Sr., 79, died April 25, 2009 at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Elmhurst, IL, the only child of the late Clarence and Bessie Wiltse Benhart. Mr. Benhart was predeceased by a daughter, Peggy Ann Benhart. He was the owner of Benhart's GMC Sales and Service and served in the US Navy Reserve. Ralph was a 15 year volunteer with The Commemorative Air Force and was instrumental in the restoration of the WW II vintage B-26, Carolyn.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Frances Brace Benhart; two daughters, Teri Dispensa (Phil) of St. Charles, IL and Lynn Deutsch (Steve) of West Chicago, IL; one son, Ralph L. Benhart, Jr. (Jill) of Smithfield, VA; seven grandchildren, Rhonda Robinson, Collette Sirovatka, Jeni Maddaleni, Daniel Deutsch, Kevin Deutsch, Alex Benhart, and Sean Benhart; three great-grandchildren, Jake Robinson, Marisa Sirovatka, Dylan Sirovatka, and his beloved Boston Terrier, "Baby".
A memorial service will be held in Illinois June 2009. Memorials may be made in the name of Peggy Ann Benhart to the St. Judes Research Children's Hospital, 501 St. Judes Place, Memphis, TN. 38105. Wright Funeral Home is assisting the family. wwwwrightfuneralhome.org