SSgt. (ret.) George Arnold Bennett, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and combat veteran, surrounded by his loving family, passed away at home peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2020.
He was born in Newport, RI to Winifred (Coe) Bennett and Charles Arnold Bennett on Oct. 5, 1952 along with sisters, Olive, Gladys, and Marion, and brother, Charles Jr.
George graduated from Rogers H.S. and completed ROTC program with honors. He joined the USAF on July of 1971 after graduating high school.
In the USAF, he received several awards including The Outstanding Unit award with Valor, National Defense Service Medal, and Overseas Service Long Tour Ribbon. He was an NCO Professional Military Education Graduate. He served honorably in combat in Vietnam and Desert Storm.
In the summer of 1972, George met the love of his life, Yolanda Avila, in Laredo, TX while completing his basic training. They were married shortly after. They were able to celebrate their 48th Wedding Anniversary lovingly on August 19, 2020.
George is predeceased by Winifred Coe, his mother, Charles Bennett, his father, and Charles Bennett Jr. his older brother.
He is remembered and honored by his wife, Yolanda Bennett, his daughters, Celia (McDonald) Bennett, and her husband, Michael McDonald, and her two sons, James and Thomas, Diana (McGuire) Bennett and her husband, Jeff McGuire, and their children: David Anthony and his two sons: Benjamin and Darin, Skylan and her daughter, Lilah, Alyssa and her son Matthew, Claire, Tatom, Brenden, and Sophie and George's son: Christopher George Bennett. His sisters: Gladys (Walsh) Bennett and Marion (Manley) Bennett and daughter Christina and family.
Final Visitation is at Cook-Walden Funeral Home on 6100 N. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78752 on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 from 4 pm to 6 pm with Rosary to follow officiated by Dn. Jose Trujillo. The events are available by live-stream on www.dignitymemorial.com. Due to COVID-19, wearing facemasks and physical distancing is required.
Military burial with honors is at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX on Friday, Sept. 4 at 10:15 am.
Honorary Pallbearers (due to COVID-19):
Michael McDonald (son-in-law), Jeff McGuire (son-in-law), John Ortiz (cousin), Gilbert Gonzales (family friend), Hector Vargas (nephew), and Hector Avila (brother-in-law).
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in the honor of George Bennett to any of the following causes, all of which were close to George’s heart: Meals on Wheels, St. Albert's Catholic Church, Texas Home Health Hospice, and Drive-A-Senior in the Austin area.
The family sends a gracious thank you to family and friends for their generous support and continued prayers that have made this celebration of life possible for SSgt (ret.) George Bennett.
George believed and lived by, “Live life to the fullest and rightfully, have great company, great food, and most of all love those around you”.
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:26
