Mr. Nelson Bennett Obituary in Wadesbaro at Smith's Funeral Home

Obituary For Mr. Nelson Bennett

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.

Photos & Video

Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

The Sweetest Touch was sent for Mr. Nelson Bennett - June 01, 2022

Send flowers for Mr. Nelson Bennett

Monica Foulks sent Heatfelt Hope Arrangement for Mr. Nelson Bennett - May 28, 2022

With Love from your niece and nephews: Mack,Monica and Bobby

Michelle Acuna sent Cherished Friend Bouquet for Mr. Nelson Bennett - May 27, 2022

Masonya,
I'm so sorry for your family's loss. I'm thinking of you and your mom.

Linda Ann Grinnage sent Star Spangled Spray for Mr. Nelson Bennett - May 27, 2022

Our sincerest condolences on the death of your love one. Our thoughts and prayers are with your Family as you cope with the loss. The Lord is with your Family. God Bless you. The Grinnage Family

Winnie I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Denise Freeman

Also a good friend to Mr Aaron Caldwell

A good friend to Mr Brandon Bolder

A good friend to Mr Kilgo

Our heart felt condolences go out the the Bennett family. He brought food on behalf of my mother passing just last week and talked and fellowshiped with us. We are truly going to miss him.

Giving my sincerest condolences to the Bennett family. Mr. Bennett's warmth and light will always shine bright in my life & I cherish the memories I have of him... riding in the Cadillac on family vacations to Maryland & the warmth & joy he always had when he greeted me. He was truly one of a kind, a truly authentic human being. Love Always, Faith

Extending my deepest condolences to My Winnie, Adrienne, Masonya and the entire Bennett family. Nelson was a great man, husband, father, uncle, cousin. He will be missed but never forgotten. I will be having a shot of Canadian Mist in his honor. Cheers to you Nelson Bennett🥃

Sending our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Mr. Nelson Bennett Family. The McCoy, Thomas, and Kendall Family.

As a little girl Mr Nelson would let me be in his way when he and my grandfather would do work at White Oak. I remember him being comical patient and kind as I always wanted a hammer and nails too. What an awesome human being!! Brenda HUNTLEY

I join the Bennett family in mourning the loss of Mr. Nelson Bennett. He was a kind, honorable gentleman and his presence in the community will be sorely missed.
The family has my sincere prayers of peace, comfort and understanding. God bless you!

To Winnie, Our deepest sympathy to you & your family in the loss of your husband, Nelson. May you receive comfort from the loving memories of your life together. Your cousins, Wanda & Ernest Clemons

Our thoughts and prayers of comfort are with you and your family. David and Linda Lloyd

To Winnie and family May all God's Blessings and Good Grace be with you at this time. To my Brother Nelson Rest In Peace 🙏🏽 Love Louise Pegues Shutes and Family ❤️🙏🏽

My deepest sympathy to the Bennett family. Delois Lowery

Winnie, I will continue to pray for you ... believing that God's love, His comfort, His Peace, and His strength will comfort and sustain you. God is ever present to meet you at whatever your point of need is and for as long as you need Him to be there. Barbara Washington

Winnie, I will continue to pray for you ... believing that God's love, His comfort, His Peace, and His strength will comfort and sustain you. God is ever present to meet you at whatever your point of need is and for as long as you need Him to be there.

My condolences to the family so sorry for your loss
Lydia Allen

You will truly be missed. Truly a great man and thank God for being a good friend to my family. Lecarya Watkins and the Chambers family

Prayer and condolences to the Bennett family. Charles and Carol Ford

We are so sorry for your loss. May GOD continue to comfort the Bennett family. Callie & Susan Little

My heart and prayers goes out to the Bennett family, I know that will take care of you all.

Out condolences to Winnie and the Bennett family may God comfort you during these dark hours Sincerely Joe and Ruby Broadaway & Tillman family.

Ms. Bennett you have our deepest sympathy in your time of sorrow God bless you and your family Charles & Linda Thompson

Ms. Bennett you have our deepest sympathy in your time of lost God has your hand. Charles & Linda Thompson & Family

LOVE & PRAYERS, Mark & Janet

Prayers to Winnie,family and friends in the passing of Mr. Nelson.

LOVE & PRAYERS,

Ms. Winnie, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry to hear about Mr. Nelson passing.
Karen Walters Gaun

So sorry for your loss. David and Cathy Kelly

Our sincere condolences and prayers to The Bennett Family. May God continue to give each of you strengthen, guidance and comfort for the loss of your loved one. Edward & JoLetha Little.

Sending condolences to Bennett family Deacon George and Rev. Berdie Ingram

We send our condolences to the Bennett family. Deacon George and Berdie Ingram

Praying for the family. We send our condolences.
Deacon George & Berdie Ingram

So sorry for your loss.

Mrs. Winnie we send our condolences to you and family. Continue to lean and trust God.
Deacon George & Rev. Berdie Ingram

My sincere sympathy Winnie and family. May his memory be an eternal blessing. Beverley Getzen

My sincere sympathy. May his memory be an eternal blessing

My sincere sympathy on Nelson's passing. May his memory be an eternal blessing. Live and prayers, Beverley Getzen

Condolences to the Bennett family. Dianne Gatewood

Winnie & family We are so sorry for your loss. Know that our love and prayers are with you all for comfort and strength in the coming days! Dianne & Henry Welch

To Winnie and the Bennett family. I am lifting you up in in my prayers and thoughts. Words cannot explain what lye ahead. Praying for your strength. Affira

Condolences to the family. May God grant you peace and comfort to sustain you in the loss of your husband, father, brother, and other family members. 🙏🏿 Marilynn (Marie) McRae & Family

Winnie, you and the family are in our prayers. Love. Samuel and Rev. Bernice Bennett

Winnie you are in my thoughts and Prayers.- Angela Newton

Sorry for your loss, I pray that God will comfort you in your time of sorrow. Hazel Smith

Prayers for Nelson family and all his friends.....Arvonia Edwards

Prayers for Nelson family and many friends.

The Morven Reunion will not be the same without you. You will be missed. Condolences to your family.

Extending our deepest and sincerest condolences to Mrs. Winnie Bennett & family. Mr. Nelson was a great man & it was a privilege to know him. ~Tommicenia Pratt Harrington & Family