R. D. Bennett

Richard Dennis "R. D." Bennett, 85, of Greenwood died Thursday, July 24, 2008 in Marianna. R.D. was born May 23, 1923 in Dellwood. He graduated from Greenwood High School and attended the University of Florida in 1942 before volunteering for the United States Army. He served in the U.S. Army Infantry from 1943 to 1946 and received a battlefield appointment as Company Commander of the 36th Division for bravery and leadership in combat in the European theater, as well as a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He owned and operated a general merchandise store from 1946 to 1966 and started a successful cattle and farming operation. R.D. was active in many agricultural and community organizations, serving as president of the Florida Cattleman's Association, charter member and first president of the Jackson County Cattleman's Association, board member of the Jackson County Farm Bureau, president of the Florida Foundation Seed Producers and president of the National Limousin Breeders Association. He was agricultural adviser to former Gov. Lawton Chiles and former Commissioners of Agriculture Doyle Conner, Bob Crawford and current Commissioner Charles Bronson. He was named Cattleman of the Year and Outstanding Agriculturalist of the Year in 1994. R.D. was a loyal Gator and was named an honorary member of the University Block and Bridle Club. He loved Chipola College and was awarded Life Membership in the Chipola College Appreciation Club for support and service to the college. He particularly enjoyed attending and supporting the basketball and baseball programs. R.D. was a member of the Greenwood Baptist Church and loved the outdoors, especially hunting and his beloved bird dogs. He is survived by his wife Jacqueline Potter Bennett of Greenwood, son Richard Dennis Bennett, Jr. of Greenwood, daughter Scarlett Bennett Clements and husband Steve of Ormond beach, grandsons Richard Dennis ("Ben) Bennett III, Anthony John Bennett and Drew Elliot Bennett. He is also survived by brother Hiram Bennett and wife Nettie Jo of Sneads and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents Luther Elijah and Polly Mooneyham Bennett. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 27, 2008 at Maddox Chapel with Rev. Ronnie Wright officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Baptist Cemetery with full military rites given by Sneads American Legion Post 241. James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. The family will receive friends Sunday at 1 p.m., one hour prior to service time at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to either the Chipola College Foundation (3094 Indian Circle Marianna) or the Greenwood Baptist Church (P.O. Box 249 Greenwood). The family would like to thank the staff at Emerald Coast Hospice, Courtyard and Jackson Hospital, and especially Dr. Joe Gay, for their support and aid.