Benjamin Gonzales Sanez

Benjamin Gonzales Sanez, age 80, of Blountville, TN, went home to Heaven on Wednesday, November 17th, 2021 with his family by his side. Ben was born in 1941 in Zamboanga, Philippine Islands. He joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 to become an American. He proudly served his country for 27 years and retired from the Navy. During that time he fought in Vietnam War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, Libyan Conflict, and was highly decorated. In 1965 he married the love of his life, his soulmate, Mary. Together they had 5 wonderful children whom they loved dearly. Ben coached little league football for many years while his sons played in the league. His favorite hobby was watching American Football. He was kind, caring, and generous to all. Above all, he was a dedicated husband and loving father. He had a big heart and will be greatly missed by all of us. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Fedel and Maximina Sanez; sister, Melanie Austria; grandsons, Kyle Miller, Presley Sanez. Left to cherish his memories is his wife of 60 years, Mary Sanez; sons, Gus Sanez, Del Sanez, Benjamin Sanez and wife Vicki, Chris Sanez; grandchildren, Nicole Zeller, Nadia Turci, Sara Sanez, Shawn Sanez, AJ Sanez, Ashley Sanez, Aaron Sanez, Anthony Sanez, Andrew Sanez, and Erika Sanez; several great-grandchildren; brother, Danilo Sanez; sisters, Yolanda Miranda, Rebecca, Rowena; several nieces and nephews. Graveside service will be held at Mountain Home National Cemetery on Wednesday, November 24th at 1:00 pm with military honors provided by American Legion Hammond's Post 3 Gate City 265, Vietnam Veterans, and the Navy. Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family.