Benny Gattis

September 17, 1918 - August 1, 2012

Retired Pharmacist, Mr. Benny R. Gattis, age 93, of Columbia, passed away Wednesday afternoon, August 1, 2012 in Maury Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 11:00 AM from the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Jeff Jacobs and Bro. Wendell Robinson. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Friday, August 3 in the Hunter Room of Heritage Funeral Home from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family and in charge of arrangements.

Born Sept 17, 1918, Benny was raised in Franklin County, TN and graduated high school there. He was the son of John Turner and Addie Bates Gattis. He served his country during World War II in the United States Air Force. He continued his life of service through his efforts at Craft Memorial Methodist Church in Columbia, where he was a long-time member. He earned his Doctorate of Science Degree from Howard College in Birmingham, AL. Mr. Gattis will be best remembered for his unselfish dedication to his profession. As a Pharmacist, he served his community for over 60 years, retiring just last year from Holland's Apothecary at CORE Physicians.

"I once read that the only people who attend a retirement party and go home happy are the ones who go to work the next day," he was quoted as saying at 90. "I guess that kind of describes me."
His wife made weekly journeys to the local library to pick up the past issues of the Wall Street Journal. From there, Benny would follow the stock market, gain information about the next great book to read, and share that information with his friends and family. He so enjoyed being around people, and that helped him stay active and alert. His style and commitment to others will be a cherished memory of all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Gattis was preceded in death by two sisters: Mary Lee Gattis and Kathleen Gattis, and two brothers: William Frank Gattis and Ernest Gattis.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years: Beverley Gattis; and daughter and son-in-law: Ginger and Stuart Shook, all of Columbia. Two grandchildren also survive: Adam Russell Shook and Jonathan Blake Shook.

Pallbearers will be Blake Shook, Johnny Brown, Russell Pigg, Billy Oliver, Alan Luscombe, and George Horne.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Employees of Holland's Pharmacy, and members of the Men's Fellowship Class of Craft Memorial Methodist Church.

Memorials may be sent to Craft Memorial Methodist Church 907 Hatcher Lane, Columbia, TN 38401.

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