Phyllis & Brian Benson with one of their treasured grandchildren

For Brian Benson, it was the draw of an active 55+ community near the beach. For his wife Phyllis, an avid traveler, it was more about access to planes, trains, ships and highways. What drew the couple to World Golf Village was that it offered both!

The Bensons, who bought a home in The Cascades, have certainly made the most of life in their new community. We recently caught up with Phyllis to learn more about them.

What do you like best about living in The Cascades?  No yard work! The Cascades offers beautiful and well maintained facilities, an active community life, and friendly neighbors. The first time we walked into our house it felt like coming home for both of us. 

We have attended several functions and met many new friends since joining The Cascades community.  We recently learned that we are part of a growing “younger” crowd moving into The Cascades; the more the merrier.

Where are you both from originally?  Brian was born in Rugby, North Dakota.  I was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, but raised in Georgia (making me a Georgia Bulldog fan).  We met in Denver, Colorado, a year before I retired from the Air Force.  Brian worked for Sherwin Williams for 30 years before retiring in 2012. We relocated to Chattanooga after retirement, then settled in Georgia near family.  Brian went back to work for Behr Paints as a National Account Manager (NAM) in 2014.

Tell us a little about your family.  Brian’s son Drew lives with his wife and son Hank (10 months) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Drew and his wife Janice visited us in The Cascades recently. They enjoyed golfing at the Slammer & Squire and touring the World Golf Hall of Fame.  

Phyllis with her children (L-R) Mark, Aja & Jake

Brian’s son Drew with wife Janice and their son Hank

I have three children: Jake, Aja and Mark. Jake owns a tree service business in Chattanooga where he resides with his spouse Megan and children, Anthony (3) and Maggie (1). Mark is a merchandiser for Cherokee Distributing in Chattanooga.  He lives with his wife Andrea and daughter Hunter (1) in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. Aja currently resides in South Korea where her husband is stationed as a Warrant Officer in the Army.  Her daughter Fiona (10) lives stateside in Melbourne, Florida, where her father is stationed at Patrick AFB.  

What is your favorite vacation spot?  Brian’s favorite vacation destination is the white sandy beaches of Aruba.  I lived in European cities as a young adult so I prefer London, Paris, Berlin and Athens, Greece.  We both enjoy cruises and our time shares in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  In 2018 we plan to travel to the last eight states we have not visited in the USA. 

Brian & Phyllis at Giants stadium in San Francisco

What is one thing people are surprised to learn about you?  People are surprised to learn that I spent 25 years in the military and drove a Harley Davidson Sportster. Brain works for Behr Paints now so people are surprised to learn that he spent 30 years working for Sherwin Williams Paints.  

What was the last movie you saw?  We joined the IMAX at WGV in December. The last movie we saw was “Black Panther” at the IMAX.  We love how the huge screen at the theater draws you into the movie even when it’s not 3D.