Michael Ashley Benson, 69, of Nashville TN, rode his motorcycle through the gates of heaven on May 3, 2023. Michael, also known as "Big Mike" and "Benson" endured a ten plus year battle with prostate cancer. Michael grew up in Knoxville TN, and spent the last 32 years in Nashville TN. He was a free spirit to say the least. Some examples of that are entering the first Tough Man contest ever held in Knoxville TN in 1982. He finished in third place, and was very proud to refer to himself as the Third Toughest Man in Knoxville! He would enter a second Tough Man contest many years later. He also dove off of Norris Dam on the night of his high school graduation…just for fun! During a brief period of time living in Tybee Island GA, he purchased a Hover Craft, and would ride it from his inland home, and onto the beach, many times with law enforcement in hot pursuit! Michael was also a proud veteran of the USAF, and hoisted Minuteman missiles with extreme ease, due to the fact he was incredibly strong. Michael grew five inches and gained seventy pounds AFTER joining the Air Force. Michael knew no strangers, and spent his entire career in sales. He loved motorcycles, fast cars, Big Orange sports, and really good music. He will be missed by his large family and a huge circle of friends. His entire family would like to thank the staff at the VA Hospital Nashville TN, 2G, as well as the Community Living Center at the VA Campus in Mufreesboro TN for exceptional TLC. Special thanks as well to Kathy Heimerdinger and the staff of the Heimerdinger Foundation, for providing organic meals for Michael shortly after he was diagnosed, as well as in the last few months of his fight. A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future in Nashville and Knoxville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ashley J. and Betty Creswell Benson; brothers Andy and Mark Benson; niece Caroline; grandparents Helen and Harold Creswell, and Stella and Clay Benson. Survivors: sister Cathy Benson (Susan), brothers Adam Jeffrey Benson, and Stacey Benson (Cheryl). Nieces: Brandis Belue (Brent), Ashley Jordan (Joshua), Chelsey Benson, Eden Benson. Nephews: Graham Benson, Austin Benson (Lindsey), Blake Benson (Morgan), Hayes Benson. Great nieces and nephews:  Maddox, Parker, Cameron, Avery, Leah, Brendan Belue, Addison Wallace, Aria Jordan. Special sisters-in-law Elaine Benson and Darlene Tudor; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.