Larry Wayne Bennett, 79, of Lawsonville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife. Known to all as Wayne, he lived a life marked by faith, service, and devotion to those he loved.
Born on August 20, 1945, Wayne was a proud graduate of Lawsonville High School, where he was known for his remarkable left-handed basketball skills and was honored as an All Northwest Basketball player. Following high school, he served his country with courage and dedication in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
On December 24, 1966, Wayne married his childhood neighbor and the love of his life, JoAnn Bennett (Tucker). Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. He was a devoted father to Jennifer Long (husband Mike) and Jeremy Bennett (wife Angie), and a proud grandfather to Finn Long and Rori Long.
Wayne dedicated 33 years of service to Piedmont Airlines (later US Airways), where he was known for his outgoing spirit and his remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went. A man of deep faith, he served as a deacon at Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Sandy Ridge, where he also sang in the choir and taught Sunday School, touching many lives with his warmth and wisdom.
He is survived by his beloved wife JoAnn, his children and grandchildren, and his siblings Glenda Duncan and Junior Bennett (wife Debbie). He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Posie and Lera Bennett, and his siblings Elmer, Virginia, Mack, LG, and Betty.
Wayne will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love for his family, and the way he gave the best hugs. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Baptist on Mission, Helene Relief Fund. Checks should be made out to Oak Ridge Baptist Church with Baptist on Mission Hurricane Helene Relief written in memo, 4162 NC Hwy 704 E. Sandy Ridge, NC 27046.
Colonial Funeral Home Stokes Chapel in Sandy Ridge is serving the family.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.colonialfh.net.
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