Benny Bills, age 82, passed away on August 27th, 2021.
He was born on December 4, 1938 in Lewisburg, TN to “Little” Audie and Irene Taylor Bills. He graduated from Marshall County High School in 1957 and Middle Tennessee State College in 1961. He served two years overseas in the Army before returning home and marrying Doris Anderson Bills of Gallatin, TN. They were married for 56 years and had one daughter, Julie.
Benny worked as a juvenile probation officer before discovering his true love of education. He taught for 3 years at Gallatin Junior High School before becoming principal at Union Elementary, the first integrated school in Sumner County. In 1976 he successfully ran for Sumner County Superintendent of Schools and served in that capacity for 12 years before returning to the role of principal. He worked at Westmoreland Middle School until 1995, and then he assumed the principalship at Gallatin High School for the next ten years. In 2005 he was appointed Director of Sumner County Schools, and he served in that position until his retirement in 2011.
Mr. Bills thoroughly enjoyed working with students and reliving his own high school days. From pep rallies to bonfires to school dances, he could always be found “in the mix”. When he retired, interacting with his students was what he missed the most.
Benny’s other love in life was his family. He grew up as the youngest of seven brothers, affectionately known as “the Bills boys”. He was proud to be part of that crew, and he was often telling fond stories about their escapades. Later on, all of his stories involved the “Becker boys”, Ben and Andrew, and how they were playing tricks on him.
He was a dearly loved husband, father, and grandfather. He was a devout follower of Jesus Christ and an active member of the Community Church. He is now celebrating his new life with his other family in heaven.
Mr. Bills is preceded in death by his parents, Audie and Irene Bills; and brothers, Ray, Billy, James, Tom, Joe, and Charlie. He is survived by his loving wife Doris Bills; daughter, Julie Bills Becker (Ron); grandsons, Ben and Andrew.
His celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 30th in the chapel of Family Heritage Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 8:00 PM on Sunday, August 29th, and Monday from 11:00 to 1:00 PM immediately before the service. Burial will be following the service at Sumner Memorial Gardens with close friends and family in attendance.
Online condolences may be submitted at familyheritagefh.com. The obituary was written by the family. Because of his love for the Green Wave, Benny requested that donations be made to Gallatin High School in lieu of flowers (c/o Bookkeeper, 700 Dan P Herron Dr., Gallatin, TN)
Arrangements are being entrusted to Family Heritage Funeral Home.
