Col. William "Bill" Benedict (Ret.) of Murfreesboro, age 89, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2015, at Adam's Place Rehabilitation Center. He was a native of Maple Rapids, Michigan and was the son of Gerald C. Benedict and Margaret C. Barrett Benedict. A lifelong patriot, Col. Benedict retired from the United States Army after 32 years of service that included being a member of the Allied Occupation force in World War II as an enlisted man, to Lieutenant and Platoon Leader in the Korean War, and service In Viet Nam as a Lt. Col. and G2 of the 1st Infantry Division. He retired as a Colonel from his post in the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, DC in June of 1974. Amongst his awards and decorations are Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster, multiple Bronze Stars and others. Col. Benedict was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and active in the Rutherford County Retired Military Officers Association of America. He was an avid reader and fisherman who enjoyed annual trips to Alaska and the Bahamas stalking his favorite fish with an often hand-tied fly. He will be missed by family and all who knew him. Col. Benedict is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joyce Marilyn Sievert Benedict; one brother, Gerald Benedict and wife Shirley, of Idaho; sons and daughters-in-law: Bruce Benedict of Murfreesboro, Bill and Kathy Benedict of Sequim, WA; Rex and Michelle Benedict of Melbourne, FL; Mark and Sallie Benedict of Murfreesboro, Leith and Pam Benedict of Huntsville, AL. He is also survived by daughter Mary Benedict Thompson and her husband Randy of Murfreesboro. Col. Benedict also leaves eleven grandchildren: Aimee Koshlap, Heather Oines, Sarah Fuoco, Ben Benedict, Ruth Prather, Tim Benedict, Megan Benedict, Will Benedict, Jamie Salas, Thomas Maland, Eric Maland, and 4 great-grandsons and seven great-granddaughters; nieces and nephews: Alan Benedict, Susan Benedict, Elizabeth Benedict, Jeff Benedict, and Rob Benedict. Visitation with the family will be at 2 PM on Thursday, February 26th at Woodfin Memorial Chapel with memorial service following at 3 PM officiated by Rev. Joe Rouse. Interment will be at a private service in St. Johns, Michigan at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Smile Train in memory of Col. Benedict.