Hearl Benton "Ben" Davis Jr. passed away on May 12, 2026 after a long and full life. He was 94 years old.

Born on September 28, 1931, in Sparta, Tennessee, Ben was the oldest son of Hearl Benton Davis and Mary Potter Davis. As a young man, his family moved to a farm on Granny White Pike in Nashville.

Ben graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, Tennessee and went on to earn his degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In 1953, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Sewart Air Force Base in Smyrna, Tennessee, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. While stationed there, he met and fell in love with Florence (Mickey) McDowell, an Air Force nurse. The two were married in Nashville on May 9, 1953, and were happily married for 67 years until Mickey's death in 2020.

During the Korean War, Ben was deployed to Japan, where he served in an administrative role with the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps.

Following his military service, Ben built a long and successful career with General Motors in the Truck Division, where he worked for over 30 years. His career took him and his family to several locations, including Atlanta, Michigan, and Memphis, before ultimately returning to Nashville in 1973.

Ben and Mickey shared a deep love for one another and for life. They especially enjoyed traveling, dancing, and spending time with family and close friends, including their cherished group of "GM friends," many of whom were fellow retirees.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Florence "Mickey" Davis; his brother, John Davis; his sister-in-law, Nancy Davis; and his grandson, Dustin Prentice.

He is survived by his son, Hearl Benton "Ben" Davis III (Beth); his daughter, Helen "Betty" Elizabeth Prentice (Rick); five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 9:00-10 a.m. on June 22, 2026 at Brenthaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 516 Franklin Road, Brentwood, Tennessee, followed by a memorial service at 10:00 a.m.  A graveside service will take place immediately afterward at Highland Cemetery in Sparta, Tennessee.

The family would like to thank the staff at Traditions of Mill Creek for their care of Ben over the last few years and Enhabit Hospice during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brenthaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

*Ben's mother's family at one time owned the Home that is Hunter Funeral Home