JT Bennett, Jr

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - J.T. Bennett Jr. passed away on Thursday April 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Oct. 21, 1945 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee to the late J.T. Bennett Sr. and Pearl (Wilhite) Bennett.

A proud graduate of Cookeville Central High School in 1964, J.T. answered the call to serve his nation with distinction as a member of the U.S. Army. He completed three years of active duty, including service during the Vietnam War, where he fulfilled his role as an Electronics Equipment Repairman with honor. His valor and dedication earned him several commendations, such as the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Devices 60, and the Army Commendation Medal. As a testament to his lasting bond with his fellow servicemen, J.T. was a Lifetime member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion.

Following his military service, J.T. embarked on a notable career with the Cookeville Police Department, beginning in July 1968. Over the course of 39 years, he served his community with unwavering dedication, culminating his career with the rank of Captain before retiring in 2007. J.T. continued his service to others by working as a Funeral Assistant at Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home for several years. This role allowed him to extend comfort and support to families during their most difficult times.

After retirement he and Ann have enjoyed traveling and spending quality time with their family. He loved his family unconditionally and was always there for them and he was a friend to many. He will be dearly missed. He loved his pinto beans, banana pudding and his sweet tea.

Throughout his life, J.T. cherished his Christian faith and was an active member of Union Grove Freewill Baptist Church alongside his wife, Ann. His faith was a cornerstone of his character, guiding him in love, compassion, and service.

J.T. is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Ann Stockton Bennett, to whom he was married on April 2, 1966. His devoted daughters, Kimberly Diane Bennett of Cookeville and Sherry (Keith) Krebs of Lawrenceville, Georgia; one granddaughter, Courtnae Ramser (husband, Ruben Santana) of Lebanon, TN; four grandsons, Kacy Edwards (Libby Miller) of Algood, TN, Trae Ramser of Brisbane, Australia, Taylor Krebs of Los Angles, CA, and Josh (Britany) Dyer of Smyrna, TN; great-grandchildren Jaxyn and Peyton Edwards, and Mykinzie Tatro of Junction City, KS, Sharles, Brayden and Dria Dyer of Smyrna, TN; one brother, Sam (Robbie) Bennett; niece Sarah (Ben) Ingersol and their children Eli and Eliana; nephew, Josh (Laura) Bennett and their children, Charlotte, Jacen Bennett and Rachel Bennett all of Cookeville; and special friends, Jimmy and Gail Stephenson and family of Cookeville, the Bogran family of Louisiana and a host of other family members and friends.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by father-in-law and mother-in-law Walter and Ruthie (Kirby) Stockton, grandson Kelly Ryan Edwards (2018), and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Lewis Draper and Mary Stockton.

Funeral services with law enforcement honors will be held Sunday April 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home with Bro. Kelly Stockton, Bro. Roy Patterson, and Raymond Gore officiating. Interment will follow in the Salem Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Walker, Eli Ingersol, Ben Ingersol, Josh Bennett, Ruben Santana, Gary Byers. Honorary pallbearers will be past and present members of the Cookeville Police Department.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Cemetery Fund c/o Lynn Bullock 1021 Salem Church Rd., Cookeville, TN. 38501 or Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.