Mr. James Fred Bennett, age 78, of Gumlog Road, Lavonia, died Monday, January 23, 2012 at his home.
Born January 29, 1933, in Jesup, GA, he was the son of the late W. J. and Dora Bennett. Mr. Bennett was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Prior to retirement, he was the manager of Schmid Lab. He was a member of Lavonia First Baptist Church, where he was a former trustee and deacon. Mr. Bennett was a founding member of the Gumlog Fire Department and an avid fisherman.
He is survived by his wife: Nell Bennett; daughters and sons-in-law: Emily & Marshall Hayes and Donna & Bill LaCount; son and daughter-in-law: James & Melissa Bennett; sister and brother-in-law: Joe & Judy Phelps; brother and sister-in-law: Bobby & Christine Bennett; grandchildren: Kristin LaCount, Sophie Bennett, Carmen Hayes Jordan, Tara Hayes, and Adam Hayes; and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his great-grandson: SPC Ryen King.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the Lavonia Chapel of Strickland Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. At other hours the family will be at the home.