Vern V. Benke Jr.

GALLATIN,TN – Gallatin - Vern V. Benke Jr., age 71, passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023. He was born July 10, 1951 in York, Nebraska to the late Vern V. Benke and Lois Benke. He is preceded in death by his wife, Linda Benke (Brewer); his wife, Debra Benke (Godwin); and his sister, Pamela Ben-dig-Uncles. He is survived by son, Vern V. (Kristen) Benke III; son, Chris Benke; stepson, Nick Godwin; grandchildren, Christian, Calie, Cayden, Morgan, Ethan, Waylon, and Wyatt; sister, Marlene (Bill) Magda; the mother of Vern III and Chris, V’Anne Culp; and several nieces and nephews.

Vern was loved and admired by many. He was a kind man with a high level of integrity, amazing work ethic, and was a great leader. His entrepreneurial spirit began to show in high school during his senior year when he was pro¬moted to the manager at the new Burger King that opened near his home in Niles, Ohio. Soon after that, Vern began working at a record department owned by Stark Records & Tapes, where he was a full-time manager while attending Youngstown State University (along with being a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity). After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, he moved to Florida to open new stores for the expanding retailer that became Camelot Music. He then moved to Nashville and was eventually promoted to VP of the Southern Division. He taught many people the business of retailing music. He recruited and developed great talent. Based on his rep¬utation, Belmont University reached out to him to help develop one of the first ever music marketing courses. He later taught the course at Belmont.

While in Nashville, he ventured into business for himself and became very successful. In the early 90’s, he and a network of friends pioneered marketing iconic silk screen t-shirts, such as the Parental Advisory T-shirt. The proceeds helped finance his first restaurant, Grand Stands, in Hendersonville, TN, where he began his true passion in life and became the restaurant legend so many have come to know and love. Of course, one restaurant was not enough. At one point, he operated four restaurants at once (Grand Stands, Anchor High Grill, The Shack, and Crossroads) before settling into his home at Awedaddys Bar and Grill in Gallatin, TN. He created more than great food at his restaurant; he and his wife, Debra, created an atmosphere in which many friendships were forged among the patrons and crew members who became like family over the years. Awedaddys in Gallatin, TN has been fea¬tured in several publications to include the Readers Choice, The Tennessean, and onlyinyourstate.com.

Aside from being a great chef, he had been an avid runner, completing dozens of races from 5Ks to marathons. He owned and showed world-class quarter horses. He loved the water and boats. He lived on a cabin cruiser for years; he was known as “Captain Vern” aboard the Shady Corner, Ms. Be’Havin, and the Sweetwater. He enjoyed the outdoors, closing his restau¬rant seasonally to duck hunt in the winter. Fresh and saltwater fishing were favorite pastimes. He loved to travel with his friends. He had a strong golf game and played some of the finest courses in the country. He lived life to the fullest, enjoying time with those he loved, whether it was hard at work or play. Whenever he faced adversity, he always had the drive and persistence to come out on top. He was an active and supportive member of the Gallatin community. He had a big heart and helped people, wanting no recognition. His quick wit and easy smile made a lasting impression on everyone who met him. He cared deeply for his family and friends.

The Benke family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Tunnels to Towers Foundation or the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in his honor.

Funeral services will be held 11:00am to 12:00pm on Monday, June 26, 2023 at Freedom Church on 1010 Freedom Church Rd in Gallatin, TN. 37066. Visitation will be 10:00am to 11:00am; immediately following will be a Celebration of Life at Awedaddys Restaurant, 727 Marina Private Rd in Gallatin, TN 37066.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Woodlawn-Roesch-PattonFH.com for the Benke family.