Loftis P. Benn, USN-Ret., departed from this life peacefully on Saturday, April 22, 2017 in the comfort of his Lions View home. He was the oldest son of Joe and Ada Benn.  He was a retired United States Navy veteran, serving in World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars.  Loftis retired after 30 years of service to his country.  He resided in Chicago, Illinois for 30 years and then relocated to Knoxville, where he resided for 12 years. Loftis was an avid square dancer with the Knoxville Squares and with his Illinois team.  He had a passion for playing party bridge, participating in Illinois and locally with the Catholic, O’Conner Center and Elmcroft leagues.  After his health declined, he truly enjoyed watching sports on television.  Loftis was gifted with a love for people and had a passion for God.  He looked forward to his weekly Bible study with Rev. Langston. He was a member of St. Joseph’s House of Prayer, Inc. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joe Jr., Roy and Varnell Benn, Sr.; nephews, Juan Sr., and Michael Benn. He is survived by his nephews: Varnell (Cathy) Benn, Jr., Henry Dwayne Benn, Calvin Benn, Roy Cole, Jr., and Von Davis; nieces, Alice Davis, Elizabeth Bagwell, Valerie McAliley and Anita Benn; special friend and sister-in-law, Mary Hodges; and a host of cousins and friends. Mr. Benn will lie-in-state on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 after 11:00 AM in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary.  Entombment will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Sherwood Memorial Gardens with full military honors and Overseer Tonya Tucker officiating. Services will conclude with a white dove release.  Special thanks to UT Hospice and caregiver Valencia Thompson.

This obituary was posted on Saturday, April 22nd, 2017 at 11:10 am.
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