David Lynn Bessent

David Lynn Bessent, 78, of Newbern, Tennessee died on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at West Tennessee Healthcare-Dyersburg Hospital in Dyersburg, Tennessee.

Born on April 30, 1947, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, he was the son the late James Hassell Bessent and the late June Brewer Bessent.

A lifelong antique dealer, David had an uncanny eye for the unique and the valuable. He saw beauty in the forgotten and stories in every piece he found. His shop was more than a place of business—it was a haven for curiosity, history, and conversation.

David was a true outdoorsman who loved to hunt—especially rabbits and squirrels—and to fish in the quiet moments nature offered. He was also a voracious reader who carried a book with him everywhere he went. A proud patron of the Newbern Library, he read every book on its shelves before moving on to McIver’s Grant Library, where he did the same. The librarians knew him well—he was always the first person they called when new books arrived.

At home, David was an extraordinary cook, known especially for his perfectly cooked steaks—so delicious they became a family legend. He took great joy in Thanksgiving, celebrating it each year with all the trimmings and a table full of food, laughter, and love.

He will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and all who had the good fortune to know him.

Cremation services for Mr. Bessent are under the guidance of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

He leaves to cherish his memory, one son, Jed Bessent (Rachael) of San Antonio, Texas; two daughters, Shelley Bessent Porter (Jeremy) of Newbern, Tennessee and Holly Bessent Crider (Sean) of Ringgold, Georgia; two sisters, Kathy Bessent Morse (Chris) of Lewisburg, Tennessee and Susan Bessent Veal (Tony) of Ridgely, Tennessee; he was "Grand-Daddy" to his nine grandchildren, Michael Piatt, Sarah Piatt, Nicholas Piatt, Christopher Crider (Caylie), Jacob Crider (Emily), Grace Morris (Justin), Jayliah Brown, Annaleigh Bessent and Jackson Bessent and three great-grandchildren and one to soon join the family in October.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Don Bessent.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of David Lynn Bessent.

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