TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Jun 24, 2026

Kentucky lawyer and TBA senior counselor Richard "Barry" Benton died Oct. 21, 2025, at age 88. Benton practiced law from 1966 to 2012, focusing on taxation and estate planning. After graduating from Emory University School of Law, he passed six bar exams and was licensed to practice in eight Southeastern states, including Tennessee. He balanced his private practice with service as a prosecutor in Fayette County, Kentucky. A memorial service honoring Benton's life was held Nov. 9, 2025, at the Madison Campus Seventh-day Adventist Church. Memorial donations may be made to Abba's Work Inc., 109 Cottage Place, Nashville, TN 37214. Checks should be made payable to "Abba's Work Inc." Proceeds support the organization's efforts to help educate college students in Africa and develop Christian leaders.