The retirement benefits provided for by this retirement system shall not be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge, nor shall any such benefit be in any manner liable for or subject to the debts, contracts or liabilities of the person entitled thereto. If any member or retired member has been adjudged legally incapable of personally receiving any payment due him hereunder, the board may make such payment to a duly appointed guardian or conservator of such person or to some relative of such person whom the board deems to be a proper person to receive such payment for the use and benefit of such retired member.
T.C.A. § 8-4017