Charles Bennett

Lt Cmdr U. S. Navy, Lighter Than Air (Blimps)

Charles Edward Bennett, Sr., 88, of Augusta, Georgia, beloved husband of Jimmie N. Bennett for sixty-seven years, passed away Saturday, January 29, 2011.

Mr. Bennett was a native of LaGrange, Georgia and resided in Augusta, Georgia. He joined the Navy in June of 1942 and attended U. S. Naval Pre-Flight School in Athens at University of Georgia. During WWII he served as a blimp pilot in Homestead, FL and at Fortaleza, Brazil, South America. In 1947, he returned to UGA and graduated in 1949 to become a teacher. Following his graduation, he was called back to active duty in 1951 to serve during the Korean War. Lt. Cmdr Bennett returned as a flight instructor for U. S. Navy L.T.A.blimp pilot. He was stationed at Lakehurst, NJ, Glynco, GA and Boca Chica, FL serving until 1959. Upon his release from active duty he returned to teaching. Mr. Bennett taught in several cities in South Florida. He received a MS of Education from Florida State University in 1966 and soon became an assistant principal in Palm Beach County. After retiring from teaching in 1985 he and his wife followed their love of travel and sojourned for many years. Due to declining health in 2006, they moved to Augusta to be close to family. Upon settling in Augusta, he joined Cliffwood Presbyterian Church.

Charlie Bennett’s jovial demeanor, gift of storytelling and pleasant disposition will be greatly missed by his friends and family. In addition to his wife, Jimmie; he is survived by his brother, Al (Billie) Bennett of Wellington, FL; three children, Margaret Ellen (Charles) Mashburn of Augusta, GA, Charles Edward “Ed” (Barbara) Bennett of Henderson, NC, and Anne Bennett Gaston of Rockdale, TX; nine grandchildren, Ron (Karen) Bennett of Jupiter, FL, Cree Ann (Daniel) Martin and Fabrina (Lee) Tiner of Augusta, GA, Debbie (Anthony) Fuller, Jennifer Bennett and David Bennett, all of Henderson, NC, Sidra (Paul) Carzolla of Wylie, TX, Donovan Kennedy and Allison Kennedy both of Austin, TX; and fourteen great-grandchildren. Mr. Bennett was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Bennett and son, Thomas Lee Bennett.

Memorial Services will be held 2 PM, Friday, February 4, 2011, at Cliffwood Presbyterian Church with Pastor Michael Cannon officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Noon Balloon, Naval Airship Association, Inc., 1950 SW Cycle Street, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953-1778 or The American Heart Association, P. O. Box 15923, Augusta, Georgia 30919-7923.

Arrangements under the direction of Elliott Sons Funeral Home, Augusta, GA.