Senator Ben Chafin

Ben Chafin is a native of Russell County. As a child, he worked on his family farm curing tobacco. As a teenager, he worked part-time after school at a local meat packing plant. Ben attended East Tennessee State University (B.A., 1982) so he could fulfill his obligations to the family farm by returning home most weekends. After earning his degree, he attended the University of Richmond School of Law (J.D., 1985). Ben and his sister were the first in his family to graduate from college.

Returning to Russell County after earning his law degree, Ben started Chafin & Chafin PC, which is located across from the courthouse in Lebanon. He practices law throughout Southwest Virginia.

Ben is the owner and operator of a beef-cattle farm in Moccasin Valley. He is Chairman of the Board of First Bank & Trust Company, which has branches throughout Southwest Virginia and Eastern Tennessee. Ben is a current member and former president of the Russell County Rotary. He is also an avid outdoorsman who regularly enjoys fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping.

Ben is married to Lora Lee (Carr) Chafin, a teacher in Russell County Public Schools. A Russell County native, Lora has dedicated her life to helping students learn. Ben and Lora are the proud parents of three children. The Chafin family worships at Community Heights Church in Lebanon.