Roosevelt Bennett

Deacon MSgt. USA Ret. Roosevelt (Bobby) Bennett was born on June 26, 1944, in Lilesville, NC, the beloved son and fifth eldest of ten children born to the late Rev. Boston and Mrs. Laura R. Little Bennett. He departed his earthly home at 1:12 pm on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the VA Hospice in Columbia, SC. He bravely endured a brief illness with the same faith and grace that resonated throughout his life.

Roosevelt was educated in the schools of Anson County, North Carolina, where he graduated from Henry Grove High School. He soon left Anson County and pursued a career with the United States Army, enjoying over twenty-four years in the Military. He quickly rose to the rank of Drill Sergeant, ultimately rising to the rank of Master Sergeant. Roosevelt completed eighteen months in Vietnam; and was assigned to various bases throughout the world including: Hawaii, Fort Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina; and Germany. After he retired from the military, he worked with the Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia, SC as a Correctional Officer, later retiring after many years of dedicated service.

His Christian experience began at Parsons Grove Missionary Baptist in Lilesville, NC. His sister, Julia, fondly shared a memory of Roosevelt and their other siblings walking to church as children in the dark for choir practice where he learned to lead songs. His love for God allowed him to enjoy other churches, eventually becoming a faithful, productive, and supportive member of his beloved Fellowship Baptist Church in Columbia, SC where he served as Chairman of the Deacon Ministry.

Roosevelt enjoyed watching sports, working out at the gym, traveling, cooking, and watching westerns! Above all else, he loved the Lord, his church, and his beautiful wife, Jacqueline Bennett, who cared for him patiently and lovingly during his illness and ultimate passing with the utmost dignity.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters, Sarah Montgomery and Sandra Faye Bradford.

He leaves to cherish is memories his loving wife, Jacqueline Bennett; as well as his children  whom he loved dearly, Ava Kimble, Robert (Tameka) Clarke, Ernest (Pamela) Clarke, and  Jason (Andrea) Clarke all of Columbia, SC; two step-sons,  Tony (Vicky) Barron of Naugatuck, CT, and Richard Leonard Barron of  Perry, GA; grandchildren, JaQuan Clarke, Ja'Cobi Ciarke, Ja"Kayla Clarke, Ja'Siah Clarke, Du'Quan Clarke, Sincere Clarke, Elyn Clarke; three great-grandchildren;  and a devoted friend, Leroy Alexander; siblings, Lee (Helga) Bennett, Columbia, SC, Laura (William) Loving, Suitland, MD; Julla (Ernle) Bennett, Clinton, MD,  Boston F. (Elouise) Bennett, Warner Robins, GA; Bettye (James) Ingram, Lilesvile, NC, Virgie (George) McLean, Wadesboro, NC; and Deacon Vernon (Charlette) Bennett, Wadesboro, NC; sisters-in-law, Myrtle Blakley Smalls and Barbara Davis, Perry, GA; brothers-in-law, Richard (Felicia) Vereen, Barnesville, GA and Wille Vereen, Ft Washington, MD; a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom will remember his legacy of strength endurance, determination, generosity, and love.

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