Obituary – Benjie Wagoner
Sunday, December 29, 2024

Benjie Joe Wagoner, 44, of Bethel Springs, Tennessee, passed away on December 25, 2024. Born on April 29, 1980, to Billy Joe Wagoner and Joyce Wagoner, Benjie was a devoted son, father, and friend whose life was defined by his love for horses, his family, and his unwavering faith.
A lifelong resident of Bethel Springs, Benjie was known for his skill and passion as a horse trainer, a craft he dedicated himself to wholeheartedly. He loved spending time in the stables, working with horses, and sharing his enthusiasm with others. When he wasn’t training, Benjie could often be found working on his motorcycle, another passion of his, or enjoying precious moments with his beloved family.
He is survived by his loving mother, Joyce Wagoner; his children, Kaila Deaton (Will), Mallory Gann (Tyler), Emily Hill (Rob), Haley Wagoner, Ashley Wagoner, and Caleb Wagoner; his sisters, Kim Kiestler (Mike) and Amy Martin; and his cherished grandchildren, nephews, and nieces, including Slayden Gann, Hunter Kiestler (Robin), Hayden Kiestler (Kendall), Jordan Martin, and Hannah Crabb (Dylan).
Benjie is preceded in death by his father, Billy Joe Wagoner, whose memory he held dear throughout his life.
Funeral services celebrating Benjie’s life will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 6185 Rowsey School Road, Bethel Springs, TN. Visitation will take place prior to the service, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until the service begins.
More Stories |
-
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The last night of The Celebration had come. With spectators and exhibitors all in their finest attire, the stands crowded with people waiting to watch the crowning of the 2025 World Grand Champion. Prior to the usual Saturday night performance, David and Theresa Williams carried on with their tradition of sponsoring the annual Stick Horse class, free to all willing participants aged seven and under.
Read More
-
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – Friday night marks the second world grand championship night at The Celebration. It also has come to be known as Military and First Responder Appreciation Night. The festivities began with the flag being presented by White Diamond Dollar and Vicki Self, posting in the south turn. Then, Tim Brooks of the Christian Ministries Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas, said the invocation, while Jody McBrayer of Franklin sang the national anthem.
Read More
-
Read More
-
We are writing to update you on changes to our Horse Protection program. Following a recent order from the District Court in North Texas, APHIS is making changes to the expectations for Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs) who affiliate with horse shows and the managers of horse shows, sales, and events:
Read More
-
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The first of the world grand championship nights had arrived. With it, those monumental moments that a whole year of preparation led up to had finally come. The gate opened at precisely 7PM for White Diamond Dollar and Vicki Self to come in the ring and present the colors. Austin Harden of the Wartrace Church of Christ gave the invocation, and Leah Boyd of Murfreesboro sang the national anthem. Then, Mark Farrar invited the first of 16 classes into the ring
Read More
-
Read More
-
The Walking Horse Report is saddened to share the news of the passing of Charity Latham. We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to her family and friends during this difficult time. A formal obituary will be posted once it becomes available.
Read More
-
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The last night of world championship classes had arrived. Spectators crowded into box seats near the end of the cool, sunny August day. Tonight was Pink Night, and everyone was invited to wear their favorite, brightly colored, pink attire for a chance to win a gift card to The Palomino Hat Bar. Mark Farrar called to open the gate for White Diamond Dollar and hall-of-fame trainer, Vicki Self.
Read More
-
Read More
-
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – Tuesday night marked another Fan Appreciation night, where tickets and select concessions were only $1. And what a night it would be! From Owner-Amateur Four-Year-Old Mares & Geldings to Two-Year-Old Trail Pleasure, to Show Pleasure Stallions, to Owner-Amateur Stallions, the best of the best were set to enter the show ring for stiff competitions.
Read More
|