Ben S. Landress

Ben S. Landress, 94, of Chattanooga, died on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.

The son of the late Thomas and Florence Landress. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn “Chris” Landress.

He was a longtime member of Ridgedale Baptist Church and the Genesis Sunday School Class. Ben was a Deacon Emeritus at Ridgedale. He was on the Board of Directors at Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Bible in the Schools.

Ben was one of the “Associates” that founded CBL in 1978 and his career with CBL and the Lebovitz family long preceded the formation of CBL. Before there were malls, there were theaters. Ben began working in the Lebovitz-owned theaters in downtown Chattanooga as a young man; serving as popcorn-maker, usher, and ultimately manager. When the family shifted to property management, Ben joined them in the predecessor company that ultimately spun off and created CBL.

Within CBL, Ben’s legacy spans the array of property management and for many years prior to his retirement in 2021, he served as Executive Vice President – Management with responsibilities across the spectrum that included what was then billing and collections, human resources, central files, and information technology. He also served as an Advisory member of the CBL Board of Directors since our IPO in 1993.

He is survived by his son, Jimmy Rhea (Elaine) Cross Landress of Ringgold, Georgia; grandchildren, Dee Dee Cross Landress, Lori Bowers and her husband, Dr. Patrick Bowers; six great-grandchildren, Gabriel Benjamin Landress, Ellie Bowers, Patrick Bowers III (Joey), Frannie Bowers, Penny Bowers and Lovie Bowers; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephew.

Funeral services will be held on at 12 p.m. Friday, June 17, 2022, at Ridgedale Baptist Church with Dr. Doug Plumlee officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hills Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, and from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Friday, June 17, at Ridgedale Baptist Church.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Hospice of Chattanooga for their caring service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421 or to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416.

Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Rd. East Ridge, TN 37412.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.