George Edward Bennett Sr

George Edward Bennett a son of the late Lucretia (Lucas) Bennett and William Emanuel Bennett was born September 29,1925 in Greenville, KY .He attended the former Drakesboro High School until he was drafted into the Marine Corp, based in Montford Point,N.C.. In 1942, President Roosevelt established a presidential directive giving African Americans an opportunity to be recruited into the Marine Corps. These African Americans, from all states, were not sent to the traditional boot camps of Parris Island, South Carolina and San Diego, California. Instead, African American Marines were segregated - experiencing basic training at Montford Point - a facility at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Approximately twenty thousand (20,000) African American Marines received basic training at Montford Point between 1942 and 1949.,George remained there until World War II was over
George was a longtime active member of Zion Baptist Church, where he loved the Mighty Men of Zion Choir and participated in many church activities which included Sunday School, Loyal Mens Day Member ,Food Pantry, Layman Auxillary ,Tither ,Trustee, Van transportation and church housekeeping ministry.
He was married to the late Ophelia Nealy Bennett Gray and to this union six children were born, he later married the late Margaret Jones Bennett.
George had worked at International Harvester, Chrysler, various other jobs and then for the United States Post Office for over 32 years working in various positions until retiring. He then went on to work for Hillyard Lyons Inc for 18 years until his second retirement .
George was a Legionaire, a Civil Defense Officer and was a Boy Scout Master. George had many interest, he loved the World News keeping up with current events, and Basketball. He was also a lifetime member of the Duncan Center Museum Gallery. George’s passion was golf , he was the first black golfer to Qualify in the City Golf Tourniment and he was a charter member of the River City Golf Club.
George received the Congressional Medal of Honor for being one of the original Montfort Point Marines ,the original medal is displayed in Washington D.C. at the Smithsonian Institute, he was also granted the key to the City of Evansville . He was a member of the American Legion Otis Stone Post. George’s favorite statement:,” Once a Marine, Always a Marine.”
On Friday evening , January 2,2015 George was surrounded in the love of his family and he peacefully went to his heavenly home.
George was preceded in death by his parents ,his wives, siblings Armenta Rowans, Mary E Mundy William Bennett Sr , Rufus Wickliffe ,Jessie Wickliffe and son Rodney Bennett.
.He leaves to cherish fond memories children George(Althea) Bennett Jr., Carolyn Bennett, Cynthia(George)Jackson, Constance Bennett, Dennis Bennett, Beverly(Doug) Jones and Charles”Chuckie” Manfield , grandchildren LaDane(Darlene) Snaden. Micheal and Jimel Johnson, Lorenzo, Sonja and Connika King, Kamar Bennett, Landon Haskins Bennett, Jamika Bennett, Michelle Bennett and Lamont and Ebon Gaines. Nieces and nephews Marlene(Ron) Lewis, Valerie Bennett, William Bennett Jr .The Wickliffe family,Maddox family, Lucas family, and a host of great and great great grandchildren, cousins nieces, nephews, extended family and friends and special friend Ms Dorothy Martin of Greenville, Ky
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Tracy Smith at Home Instead Senior Care and Staff, Southern Care Hospice staff Specialty Home Health Care and Staff. Dr S Elliott, Dr A. Delallana and St Mary' Westside Connection Staff .Funeral service Saturday 10:30am at Zion Missionary Baptist Church Pastor R.V Terry Officicating ,visitation will be Friday 3:30 until 5 at Osborne Funeral home and 6-8 at Zion Missionary Church .Full Military honors will be rendered at Sunset Memorial Park.
Osborne funeral home entrusted with final care osbornefh.com