Benny H. Birchfield

Benjamin “Benny” Birchfield (c. 1937 – 2025) — a beloved musician and devoted husband of country star Jean Shepard — is remembered for his gentle spirit, musical contributions to the Osborne Brothers, and his courage as a family man and devoted Christian., Married to Shepard for nearly fifty years, Benny stood steadfast by her until her passing.

He performed with legends, navigating rhythmic harmonies behind Roy Orbison and alongside his own bandmates in the late‑1950s bluegrass era. He remained a symbol of strength in the Nashville-area music community. While Jean’s passing in 2016 marked the end of their shared chapter, Benny’s presence continues among those who knew him best.

Birchfield joined the Osborne Brothers in the fall of 1959, initially playing bass and occasionally twin banjo. In 1962, he switched to guitar and contributed to their final recording session for MGM Records in early January 1963 Bluegrass Today. Known across bluegrass and country circles for his harmony vocals, he helped shape the trio sound in writing and co-writing several songs the Osborne Brothers became known for.

In 1968, Benny married Jean Shepard, a pioneering female country star, and they remained together for nearly five decades until her passing in September 2016 at age 82. He is preceded in death by his wife Jean, his granddaughter Icie Mae, his son Don Birchfield and surviving wife Michelle. Benny is survived by his children daughter Donna, sons Ronnie and wife Molly, David and wife Sandy, Benny Jr, Greg, Cory, stepsons Donny Hawkins, Harold Hawkins, grandson Robin Hawkins, 23 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren. At the time of Jean’s Hall of Fame induction in 2011, Benny was mentioned as her devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. If you knew him, you knew he never met a stranger. He will be deeply missed and will be remembered forever. He resides now in the house of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 10am-2pm at Hendersonville Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 2pm in the Chapel followed by burial at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.