Robert Bennett
Robert “Bob” Joseph Bennett, 89, passed away peacefully June 4, 2019, in a local hospital, surrounded by family.
Born August 19, 1929, in Evansville, In., he lived in East Tennessee most of his life, recently residing in Monteagle.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ad Young and Irene Thompson Bennett, older brothers, James, Yeaman, and John Bennett, and twin brother, Bill Bennett.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth Rhinehart Bennett, daughters Diana Doyle (Richard) and Starr Chiles (Kendall), sons Michael (Paula), Scott (Ginger Freeman), and Andy Bennett, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He took great joy and pride in his family.
After graduating from Chattanooga High School in 1947, Mr. Bennett began his banking career at the former Hamilton Bank in 1948. He left banking in 1950 to serve in the U.S. Air Force until 1954. He resumed his banking career and, after 57 years of service with several banks in East Tennessee, retired at age 75 as president of Community National Bank in Dayton. An engaged community member, he participated in numerous civic organizations in Spring City, Johnson City, and Dayton, and served on the Tennessee Bankers Association Board of Directors and the Bryan College Board of Trustees. He enjoyed playing golf, taking meticulous care of his lawn, spending time at his home in St. Joe Beach, FL, woodworking, and ambitious home renovation projects. A longtime Methodist, and recent congregant of Morton Memorial UMC, he took comfort in his faith. He will be missed by all who loved him.
A memorial service will be held at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel, on Thursday, June 13, at 1 p.m. Friends will be received prior to the service from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.