Some in the neighborhood called him, "Uncle George". School mates called him, "Georgie Stock". Grandchildren and great-grandchildren called him, "Old Pawpaw". Many of the rest, referred to him as a legacy. Nearly a year after his diagnosis of bladder cancer, George Wilmer Bennett of Rocky Creek in Lucedale, Miss., passed into the arms of our Heavenly Father with family and George Regional hospital staff at his side at the wise age of 84 near sunrise on Friday, February 7, 2020.

Born on a farm off Fig Farm Road in George County, Miss., on Wednesday, August 7, 1935, George was of the Baptist faith and Baptized at Rocky Creek Baptist Church with his brother, Joe Benard Bennett, in July 1948, just shy of becoming a teenager. George attended Rocky Creek School where he met life-long friends who continued to visit and keep in touch up until the time of passing. George served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from July 28, 1954, to July 25, 2015, and later retired as a section foreman from Illinois Central Railroad where he worked for 32 years. George was a member with the 32nd degree Scottish Rites, and the R. P. Bowen Lodge 430.

In addition to being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, George was best known for his mentoring to family, friends, and neighborhood youth, often while sitting on the swing outside his home. George's grandson, Brantley Brokaw, said, "He is definitely a huge part of who I am today through teaching me and leading by example." Brantley is a computer engineer in Austin, Texas. In remembrance of his "Old Pawpaw", another grandson, Bryan Bennett, said, his "Old Pawpaw" was "One of my favorite people that was always there no matter what. He always had an answer when nobody else had one, and it was always spot on." Bryan is a Nurse Practitioner in Collins, Miss. George enjoyed spending time with family and friends, gardening, and tending to chickens. He was particularly good at lessons on "how to survive".

George was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Darlene S. Bennett in 2015; his son, William Glenn Bennett, M.D. in 2006; his parents, Marvin Lee and Ruby (Nix) Bennett, 1966 and 1968; and his three brothers, Herbert Hoover Bennett, 1982; Joe Benard Bennett, 1964; and Charlie Lee Bennett, 1968.

George is survived by his one daughter, Debbie Joy Bennett Brokaw, and two sons, Darrell George (Debbie) Bennett, and Curtis Wayne (Wanda) Bennett; Sue Ann Bennett, daughter-in-law; seven grandchildren, Kristofer (Katherine) DuBose-Kensaul, Bryan (Amber) Bennett, Abigail (Tony) Carrigan, Brantley (Elise) Brokaw, Laura (Ben) Bishop, Claudia (John) Nott, and George (Amanda) Bennett; and 12 Great-Grandchildren.

The funeral will be held 11:00 am on Monday, February 10, 2020 at Sigler Funeral Home Inc., P.O. Box 102, Lucedale, MS with Bro. Paul Brashier officiating. Burial will be in Pipkins Cemetery, Lucedale, MS.

Calling hours will be Monday, February 10, 2020 from 9:00-11:00am at Sigler Funeral Home Inc., P.O. Box 102, Lucedale, MS

Sigler Funeral Home, 601-947-3112, www.siglerfuneral.com, 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS, is in charge of arrangements.