Ward Clint Benefield

June 12, 1960 – May 5, 2025

Ward Clint Benefield, 64, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on May 5, 2025. Raised in Dunlap, TN, Ward spent much of his life in Knoxville, with time also spent in Chattanooga. A devoted minister, Ward dedicated his life to helping others through his work with the Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries (KARM), the Salvation Army, and countless hours of personal ministry.

Ward was a man of deep faith and compassion. As an ordained minister and gifted singer, he used his voice and his guitar to lift others up—especially those going through the hardest seasons of life. He worked hand-in-hand with the homeless community, offering more than food and shelter—he offered hope. His life’s mission was to serve, and he lived that out fully, often bringing his own children along to volunteer, teaching them through example what it means to love people the way Jesus did.

Ward is survived by his sons, Jonathan and Jeremy Benefield; his grandchildren, Josh and Emma Benefield; his brother, Larry Benefield; his loving partner, Nancy Monk, and Nancy’s sister Madeline Baird. He was preceded in death by his son, Joshua Benefield. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Norma, who was never far from his side.

Those who knew Ward will remember him as a positive, loving, and faith-filled man—someone who made every person feel seen and valued. His favorite saying was, “No matter what, God’s always there for me,” and he truly lived by those words.

A celebration of Ward’s life will be held on Saturday, May 10th, from 1:00–3:00 PM at Lakeshore Park’s Tower Playground Pavilion in Knoxville, TN. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a man whose life was a living testimony of grace and service.

Ward was a father, a grandfather, a brother, a partner, and a friend. He touched more lives than he likely ever knew—and his legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in every heart he inspired.

Link to Lakeshore Park Map here: https://lakeshoreparkknoxville.org/directions-and-maps

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