McCleish “Mac” Christmas Benham, age 33, of Shelbyville, passed suddenly on Tuesday, December 31, 2019, at his home. 

Mac was born December 17, 1986, in Columbia, TN to the Scott Benham and Elizabeth Christmas. He attended Middle Tennessee Christian and graduated class of 2005 from Cascade High School. During his school years he would excel in dual sports, football and basketball, and received awards in leadership and was a two-time All Region football player. His work was his passion, training Tennessee Walking Horses. He went on to win several championships at a very young age, and would help shed light to newcomers about the industry and competing. He was a member of The Walking Horse Trainers Association and Fairlane Church of Christ.

Mac was a loving son, brother and dear friend to many. He’ll be missed for his big heart and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

He is preceded in death by: grandfather, Paul Hughes; and step-grandfather, A.C. Lawrence.

Survivors include: sister, Elizabeth (Tom) Brezinki of WA; brother, Luke Benham of CA; step-father, Kenneth D. Lawrence of Shelbyville; grandparents, Joseph Elliott & Billie Doris McCleish Christmas of Shelbyville; grandmothers, Imogene Lawrence of AL and Donna Hughes of CA; and uncle, Buddy Christmas of Mason, TN.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 4, 2020 from 2:00 pm until service time in the chapel of Doak Howell Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 5:00 pm officiated by Pastor Steven Murphree at the funeral home. 

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.