Mr. Charles Franklin Bennett, age 83, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2020, in Greenwood, MS. Family will receive friends Saturday, June 20, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. for service and interment at Itta Bena Cemetery.
Mr. Bennett was born on July 29, 1936, in Sunflower, MS, to the late James Aubrey and Lorraine Norris Bennett and lived in Itta Bena most of his life. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Itta Bena. Mr. Bennett held the title of fire chief of Itta Bena for many years. After retirement from the fire department he was self-employed, owning a service station for many years in Itta Bena and as a farmer. He was also a member of the FreeMasons, and he was also a Shriner for many years. But Mr. Charles was best known for telling his life stories and making connections with people. He also enjoyed traveling to Mountain View Arkansas and the local area to hear country and gospel music at “Pickin’s and Grinnin’s.” He cherished all of his family members. Mr. Bennett was predeceased by his parents; one brother, James Bennett; one sister, Julia Ann Tharpe; and two stepbrothers, Donald Ray Hodges and Johnny Glenn Hodges.
He is survived by his wife, Dianne Draughn Bennett, two sons, Franklin (Jan) Bennett of San Antonio, TX, and Robert (Kim) Bennett; one brother, Larry (Jean) Bennett of Itta Bena, MS; two stepsisters Linda (Bobby) Poe, Gladys (Bernard) Wiggins; 4 grandchildren, Paul (Jami) Haley of Carrolton, MS; Chase (Carrie) Bennett of Greenwood, MS; Kathryn Bennett of Cleveland, MS; Austin Bennett of Itta Bena, MS; one great-grandchild, Avonlea, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Rev. Ricky Wheat and Rob Banks will officiate the graveside service with good friends Benny Rigby and Thomas (Toad) Donahue singing. Pallbearers will be Paul Haley, Chase Bennett, Austin Bennett, Donald Fulgham, Richie Fulgham, Larry Lamar Bennett, Jr., Bryan Thornhill, and Bert Fleming. Honorary Pallbearers are Jimmy Bennett, Charles Burton, Ray Vail, Roger Young, Johnny Griggs, and Billy Joe Gardner.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Itta Bena or donation of choice.
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