Gay Bennett 1924-2003 Obituary
Gay Bennett, 78, a resident of East Main Street, Buckhannon, died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003, at St. Joseph’s Hospital under the care of St. Joseph’s Hospice.
He was born June 3, 1924, at Alexander, the youngest child of the late Esley H. and Burla Simons Bennett.
He was united in marriage on June 26, 1944, to Marie Crawford Bennett, formerly of Selbyville.
In addition to his wife, he is also survived by two daughters, Marilyn Sue Markley of Grafton and Shirley Jean Queen of French Creek; three grandchildren, Melissa Stemple, Glenville, Pa., Scott Crites of Buckhannon and Shawna Crites of Charlotte, N.C.; three great-grandchildren, Zachary Stemple and Bret Stemple of Glenville, Pa., and Allison Nicole Crites of Buckhannon; and two sisters, Mavedelle Reger of Buckhannon and Lourene Woody of Rock Cave.
He was preceded in death by five brothers, Kelsel, Keith, Forest, Clyde and James Bennett; and four sisters, Violet McClain, Pauline Woody, Nellie Woody and an infant sister, Hazel.
Mr. Bennett enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 19 and served three years in the South Pacific aboard the cargo ship Boulder Victory during World War II. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 9, 1946.
He was employed in the garment industry as a sewing machine mechanic for 38 years in Elkins, Grafton and Buckhannon. He retired in 1984 due to disability.
He was a charter member of the Good Hope Tabernacle and a former trustee of the church. He was the bass singer in the gospel group, the Upshur Christian Heirs, which he formed, and sang in many surrounding counties.
He was a member of the Buckhannon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3663.
Friends will be received at the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel today from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the funeral chapel with Pastor Holly J. Hoover officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Dale Cemetery at Selbyville. The Buckhannon VFW Post 3663 and the Frank B. Bartlett Post 7 American Legion will conduct military honors at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice at 1 Amalia Drive, Buckhannon.
Gay Bennett 1924-2003 Obituary
