Jimmy Don Bennett, SR

Jimmy Don Bennett passed away in Tidewell Hospice House of Bradenton on Friday April 19, 2024.  He is preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Fannie Mae Bennett and his siblings Geneva Ingram, Margaret Busby, Elmer Bennett, William Bennett, Betty Jean Welke, Claudia Bowman, Gertrude Coleman, Erma Yarbrough, and Wanda Fatheree. His wife Harriet Jane Bennet and his eldest son Jimmy Don Bennett Jr also preceded him in death.  He is survived by his sister Francis Graham, daughter Betty Rice, son-in-law Paul Rice, his son Christopher Bennet, his stepchildren Alyssa Hawkins, Johnny Harmon, Tonya Harmon and his grandchildren Cassandra Bonds, Bernard Bonds, William Moore, Travis Moore, and numerous great grandchildren.

Jimmy Bennett was born in Tallulah, Louisiana on August 16, 1943.  He proudly served his country with the US Army in the Vietnam War as a Radar mechanic and a Hawk Missile and launcher maintenance mechanic. He worked as an auto mechanic and heavy machine mechanic once discharged.  He loved to fish, build, and tinker with things.  He was a happy man who was quick with a smile, a laugh, and practical wisdom.  He passed at the age of 80 after a diagnosis with a rare, aggressive form of cancer.   

His burial services will be held at the Sarasota National Cemetery Friday, May 17, 2:30 pm, and will be followed by a celebration of life at the Rice residence.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers you donate to Disabled American Veteran Organization or the American Cancer Society.