John Doyle Bennett

John Doyle Bennett departed this life on May 5, 2021. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, January 7, 1925, the second son of Charles Ward Bennett, Jr., and Mary Oglesby Bennett. After receiving a deferment to finish high school, he entered the United States Navy in July of 1943 and served in the Pacific theater during World War II. With the completion of his military service, he was finally able to follow his passion and entered a printing apprenticeship. John’s interest in printing was piqued by his father and grandfather who were both journeyman linotype operators. He spent 12 years as a linotypist working at the National Tribune Corporation and Broyle Typesetting Service before moving to the Government Printing Office (GPO). A staunch union man, he was proud of his almost 74 years in the Columbia Typographical Union No. 101-12, now part of the Communications Workers of America.

Recognizing that linotype would soon be obsolete with the rise of phototypesetting and computers, John seized the opportunity to advance within the field and moved into printing planning in 1964. For the next 20 years, he rose through the ranks at the GPO ultimately ending his career as Superintendent of the Planning Service Division. Upon retirement he left his home in Adelphi, Maryland, and spent the next twenty years in Bradenton, Florida. There he took up the computer as a hobby and enjoyed creating printing projects of all types using Word Perfect. John became the primary chef in the family and loved developing low-sodium and low-fat meals. In 2005, he moved to Midlothian, Virginia, to be near his family. John lived by the golden rule. He was generous, kind, and had a smile to light up a room.

John married Jackie Gray of Berwyn, Maryland in 1947 and they spent almost 74 years devoted to each other. For the last 20 years, he lovingly cared for her. John was predeceased by his parents, sister Lucille, and brothers Charles and Bob. He is survived by his wife, Jackie, his daughter and son-in-law, Jodi and Pete Koste, his son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Robin Bennett, and his beloved niece, Bettie Stang (Gene). He is also survived by his three granddaughters, Andrea Fahey (Joe), Jessica Bennett (Pete), and Allison May (Stuart), and two grandsons, Jason Bennett (Joelle), and Ryan Bennett. Other survivors include four great-grandchildren, two great nieces, and a great nephew.

Visitation will be held on May 27, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, VA. A Remembrance Program and Gathering for family and friends will be held on May 30, 2021 at 4:00 pm at American Legion Post 354, 4800 Welby Turn, Midlothian, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dementia Action Alliance, 2305 Avinity Court, Charlottesville, VA 22902 or online at https://daanow.org/donate-now/. Online condolences may be registered at www.woodyfuneralhome.com