Mr. Benny D. Britton

Benny Don Britton, of Terrell, passed away peacefully on Nov. 27, 2015 at his home surrounded by family. Benny was born on August 26, 1939 in Terrell, Tx to Benjamin and Ruby (Smith) Britton, both of whom preceded him in death along with his two sisters: Linda Sue Britton and Judy (Britton) Webb; nephew, Scott Webb, two grandchildren and parents-in-law, Rubel and Irene Washam. A well-known person around Terrell, Benny was involved in many activities which helped ensure his legacy of serving others will be long remembered. He started working when he was 9 years old and with his commitment to making sure he did the best he could in every endeavor, Benny didn’t stop working until retiring at 75. He retired from Terrell State Hospital having worked there faithfully for over 50 years. He started in the grounds department of TSH and his tireless work ethic enabled him to achieve many positions of responsibility culminating in becoming Superintendent. He was a member for 27 years in Rotary Club where he received an award for perfect attendance for weekly meetings for Rotary groups that were not only in the continental United States alone but also in Hawaii and Canada. After beginning his career at TSH in 1955 and then graduating from Terrell High School in 1957, Benny enlisted in the United States Air Force where he honorably served from Oct., 1961 to Oct., 1963 after which he came home to work at American National Bank on Oct. 20, 1963 until 1965. In 1965, Benny returned to TSH, where he would work until his retirement. His extensive knowledge of the rich history and heritage of TSH were invaluable for when he authored a book documenting the many changes, advances and the undeniable value of the Hospital to not only Terrell but to the state of Texas as well. Benny held education as a very high priority and he earned his Bachelors from North Texas State University and then his Masters degree from Trinity University in San Antonio while working and helping raise his family. He was a lifetime and active member of Rockwall and Brin Church of Christ where he also served as Elder, and held the position of past Chairman of the Board for the Terrell Chamber of Commerce, as well as avid volunteer for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children who need “a voice in the court” for abused and neglected children. His, as well as Linda’s, tireless devotion to the children they were privileged to help earned them the 2007 “Volunteer of the Year” award for the CASA chapter they worked with. During his life, Benny also realized the value of team sports and, when younger, he played semi-pro baseball with the Terrell Titans and later, he served as umpire in both Terrell and Austin where he and the family lived for a brief time. In 2011, as recognition for his sports achievements, Benny was inducted into the Terrell Tiger Hall of Fame. As devoted as Benny was to his communities and his church, Benny’s priority was always his own family and he made sure that each member knew exactly how much he loved and appreciated them and what true blessing they each were to his own life. He enjoyed every opportunity to get together with family and friends where he could keep everyone attending the gathering in anticipation with the newest ‘gadget’ he had ordered from a TV commercial just days before. He had a penchant for making sure that the new gadget would be a wonderful addition to all the others that had made daily tasks so much easier and everyone he knew looked forward to seeing all the newest orders he received! A wonderful, caring and selfless man, Benny leaves a legacy of stewardship and compassionate acts that will resonate in so many more lives than can ever be known. Benny is survived by his beloved wife whom he married Jan. 20, 1962, Linda Britton, of Terrell; daughter, Shawn Tidwell and husband, Carlton, of Terrell; sons: Shane Britton and wife, Paige, of Brownwood, TX and Shay Britton and wife, Kim, of Forney; grandchildren: Britton Tidwell and wife, Holly, Annie Tidwell, Brooklyn, Chandler and Berkeley Britton, and Jocelyn Britton with a great-grandchild expected in February; brothers-in-law: Roy Webb of Terrell and Charlie Washam of Franklin, TN and niece, Kellie Webb Perry and husband, Joe, and their son Spencer, of Terrell as well as several other extended family and a host of friends and colleagues that love him and will miss Benny dearly. Funeral service will be at 1:00pm, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015 at Rockwall and Brin Church of Christ with interment to follow at Oakland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 6-8pm, Monday, Nov. 30, 2015 at Max Slayton Funerals and Cremations. In honor of Benny’s life of service, memorials may be made to the Share Center, 103 Jones St., Terrell, Tex, 75160.

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Mr. Benny D. Britton

August 26, 1939 - November 27, 2015