Today, as we reflect on the life of Elder David A. Benjamin, we can now hold in our hearts and memory all of the good that characterized his life for over sixty-nine years He made his transition from his earthly home into his eternal home on Saturday, February 7, 2026, while at Fort Sanders Regional Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee.

A native of Oliver Springs, Tennessee, he was the eldest son of the late Reverend Chester and Dorothy Jo Young. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Antonio and James Benjamin; one grandson, Robbie Matthews; two brothers, Chester “Terry” and Ricky Benjamin; Paternal grandparents, the late Jordan and Cora Benjamin and maternal grandparents, the late Lloyd and Claudine Hall Young.

Elder Benjamin was a graduate of Clinton High School, and he was a proud United States Army Veteran, serving 20 years and one day. He often shared fond memories of his world-wide travel experiences and of meeting his former wife in Korea. From their union, five beautiful children were born.

Upon his return to Oliver Springs, he entered an entrepreneurship as the owner of Dave’s Sports Grill in Oliver Springs. Other sources of employment included Emory Valley Center of Oak Ridge and Furrow Auction Company of Knoxville.

Elder Benjamin accepted Christ at an early age. He shared many childhood stories of attending church with his parents and listening to his father and other ministers of the gospel.

Later, he rededicated his life to Christ. In 2011, he announced his calling at Little Leaf, and began training for the ministry under Elder Thomas W. Dews and Elder Kenneth D. Lewis.

In 2013, he received his license to preach and became an ordained minister. He was an associate minister at Little Leaf for awhile. Then he went to Grants, New Mexico, where he was a minister at the C. B. Helping Hands Ministries, and was the manager of the dietary department at the prison in Grants.

In 2014, he transferred to the C. B. Helping Hands Church in Jacksonville, Florida, where he pastored until 2018.

He returned to Little Leaf, where he served as an associate minister under the pastorate of Elder Dews, and he ministered at the Anderson County Jail.

Elder Benjamin loved the Lord and was diligent and faithful in his studies and ministry. He was a member of Little Leaf’s Leadership Committee. From June 2025 until his demise, he was the interim pastor of Little Leaf. In addition, he was the Sunday School Superintendent, adult Sunday school teacher, youth Vacation Bible School Teacher, attended Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting and Bible Study, Brotherhood of Layman’s Ministry, presided over the Program Committee meetings, assistant to the youth ministry, sang in the choir, and assisted the Culinary Committee. He visited the sick and ministered at the Anderson County Detention Facility.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, it was his faith and love for the Lord that opened the doors of Little Leaf to begin worship by live streaming. He rendered his service unto the Lord in whatever capacity possible.

Elder Benjamin loved God’s word and God’s people. His contagious smile and encouraging words of wisdom were attractions to children and adults. He introduced himself to the community and area businesses. He was a former member of the Anderson County NAACP and Mayme Carmichael School Organization, Inc. (MCSO).

As a member of MCSO, Elder Benjamin was a steadfast servant, visionary leader, and faithful steward whose life reflected quiet strength and enduring purpose. He was instrumental in overseeing the maintenance and preservation efforts for the Tri-County African American Cultural Museum, following a grant from the Tennessee State Museum, he diligently managed demolition efforts and helped establish a foundation for long-term sustainability. Serving faithfully as both a member of the Board of Directors for the Mayme Carmichael School Organization, Inc. Elder Benjamin assisted tirelessly with fundraising initiatives including: fish fries, community-driven events, soul food gatherings, and collaborative work with local officials and correctional facilities to enhance the restoration efforts; while also lending his voice to lobbying efforts in support of funding the museum.

Grounded in faith, Elder Benjamin exemplified the calling in Jeremiah 17:7-8, believing deeply that those who trust in the Lord are like trees planted by water---resilient, fruitful, and unafraid in times of hardship. Elder Benjamin’s legacy is one of service, perseverance, and unwavering trust in God, and his impact will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.

Those left to lament in the memory of his afterglow are his three children, Delesha and Tosha Benjamin of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Rashad Benjamin of Knoxville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Tinaya and Alize Benjamin of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Charlece, and Malik Matthews of Knoxville, Tennessee; great-grandchildren. Serenity Dezego, Ariya and Alaya Mefford, Amari Reynolds and Roshawn Matthews of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Akio Davis of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. One great-granddaughter, Imani Matthews, passed away at two months old, one day after Elder Benjamin.

Additionally, Elder Benjamin is survived by four siblings, James Benjamin of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Wilma Jean Kirk of Oliver Springs, Tennessee, Brenda Benjamin of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Shelia Benjamin Inusah of Africa; one uncle, Charles (Freda) Boyd of Oak Ridge; a nephew who was more like his son, Ryan Benjamin of Oliver Springs, Tennessee; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, church family and friends. Elder Benjamin’s love for children gifted him with the spirit of a “father figure” in the lives of many children. He was affectionally known as “Dad” and “Papaw”.