Born to the late Jasper and Glennie Bennett of Morven, N. C. on June 11, 1941, Nelson “Nunk” Bennett spent his early years in the Morven Community where purposeful values were instilled in him by his parents, his teachers, and other important figures in the community. He lived by those great principles all of his life; love of family, loyalty, honesty, and service. He departed this life on Wednesday morning, May 25, 2022 at his home.

Nelson graduated from Morven McRae High School and stayed a dedicated alumnus of the school for all of his life. In fact, he was instrumental in helping to establish the Morven McRae School Reunion. After graduation, Nelson worked briefly at People’s Drugs in Washington, DC, but soon felt the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1959. Throughout the twenty years of service to his country, he traveled extensively to more than forty-five countries, including a tour of duty in Vietnam and received numerous commendations and awards for his exemplary service. He remained extremely proud of his years in the USAF specializing in aircraft maintenance and serving as a Flight Mechanic in the 89th Military Airlift Wing Squadron, where he worked on military aircraft such as the VC-135, the KC-130, and the B52. Later, it was of particular honor to be appointed Crew Chief and assigned to Andrews Air Force Base outside of Washington, DC where he worked on the Executive outfit and Air Force One. Nelson enjoyed sharing many stories of his adventures while working on Air Force One under presidents such as Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter in addition to numerous tales of how he “saved the day” while repairing aircraft around the world. Nelson was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force in September, 1979.

In 1965, while stationed in Spokane, Washington, Nelson met and married Lillie Thomas, and to their union was born a daughter, Adrienne Denese. While stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, he and Linda Grinnage had a son, Paul Andre. In 1982, he married Winnie McNeely of Monroe and they have one daughter, Masonya Joy.

Nelson was a gifted and talented “Jack of all Trades”, a skilled carpenter and a licensed plumber. He was also experienced in electrical wiring, flooring, and anything else to do with building. Nelson was a master in construction and home renovation. Many of the homes around Anson County have his “touch.” He remodeled, redecorated, and rebuilt many of the homes around the county that had fallen into disrepair. Nelson was a known “problem-solver,” he loved new challenges and finding innovative and unconventional solutions; he would often say, “Leave it to Nelson.” He turned these abilities into a successful business, Bennett Construction.

Not only did Nelson give active service to his country, he also served in his beloved Morven community. He was an avid sportsman and his love for fishing, hunting, and golfing lead him to establish and build the Anson Sportsman Club. One of his greatest joys was to take his boat and RV to Solomon’s Island, MD, his favorite fishing spot on the Chesapeake Bay, where he would camp and fish for days. In his last days, he took his precious and rebuilt boat to Myrtle Beach where he spent a few days fishing and returned home with a bounty of fish. In winter, he hunted deer and rabbit. When he wasn’t participating in these sporting events, he watched basketball, football, tennis, and golf on television. Tiger Woods, Steph Curry and Serena Williams were his favorites.

Nelson was truly a Man for All Seasons and he will be missed. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Clarence and Demmie, and one sister, Milverda.

Holding loving memories of him will be his wife of nearly forty years, Winnie, daughters, Adrienne Denese of National Harbor, MD, and Masonya Joy of St. Louis, MO and son, Paul Andre of Sterling, VA. One brother, Jasper (Marjorie) of Huntsville, TX, two sisters, Evelent Steele of Upper Marlboro, MD and Synetha Pratt (Donnie) of Morven, NC. Two sisters-in-law, Anne Bennett of Bowie, MD and Gwen Bennett of Waldorf, MD, brother-in-law, Mister Secrest McNeely of Madison, NC, four grand-children and one great-grand child. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, including a special cousin, Doris Spaulding and many special friends. Nelson will be truly missed by all who knew him.

The Services to Honor the Life and Legacy of Mr. Bennett will be on Monday, May 30, 2022, 1:00pm in the Chapel of Smith's Funeral Home, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

Interment with military honors will follow the service at Galilee AME Zion Church Cemetery, Morven, NC.

The Bennett Family will greet family and friends on Monday, May 30, 2022 from 12:30-1:00pm and all other times at the residence.

The public viewing for Mr. Bennett will be on Sunday, May 29, 2022 from 3:00-5:00pm.