Henry Earl Bennett, Jr., 76, passed away suddenly on Monday, September 6, 2021 at Wayne Memorial Hospital.
A native and lifelong resident of Wayne County, Junior was born on November 10, 1944 to the late Henry Earl and Rena Byrd Bennett. After graduation from Wayne County High School, Junior enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the Vietnam Conflict. Upon his return to the states, he began a lifelong career doing the thing he did the best, fixing cars. Over the years, he worked at Crossroads Ford and Purcell Auto Repair in Jesup and Joe’s Service Center in Hinesville. Junior was a lifelong drag racing enthusiast who was no stranger to the Winner’s Circle. He was winner of the Bracket Finals in Commerce, Georgia in the Super Pro Category and had won more than his share of races at tracks all over the South. When he wasn’t competing, he was working on the racecars and was very well known for his ability to fix just about anything, especially transmissions. In his later years, he enjoyed watching the kids play ball and telling stories about the “good ole days.” He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need.
In addition to his parents, his son Robbie “Biscuit” Bennett and his brothers, William and Herschel Bennett and sisters, Faye and Dot, all preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Irma Rowe Bennett of Darien; daughter, Michelle Bunch and husband, Rufus of Jesup; grandchildren, Stephen Wilkerson and wife, Amber, David Wilkerson, Kyle Wilkerson and Eric Bunch all of Jesup; step grandchildren, Kenneth and Cathy Bunch both of Jesup, Joy Bunch of Ludowici and Dusty, Cammie and Shawn and great grandchildren, Macy, Maddux, Paisley, Bryce, Emory, Bailey and Dakota. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members also survive.
Visitation will be from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup.
Private interment services will be held at a later date in Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville.
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