Rayford Eugene Bennett

Rayford Eugene Bennett, 87, of Stockton, Georgia passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at his home. Rayford was born on May 19, 1935 in Adel, Georgia to Ernest Bennett and Estelle Noles Bennett. Mr. Bennett served his country in the United States Army. He was a hardworking man and a “Jack of all Trades”. He enjoyed fishing, wood-working, gardening and being outdoors. He is preceded in death by his parents, three sons, Ray Bennett, Jr., Steven Bennett, Joseph William Gessford; brother, Benjamin Bennett; and sister, Inez Warren.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Beth Nell Bennett, four sons, Ronald Bennett and wife Gayle of Chelsea, AL, Robie Bennett and wife Debbie of Longview, TX, Patrick Gessford of Sparks, GA, James William Gessford III and wife Ruth Ann of Sparks, GA; three Daughters, Lisa Weaver of Indianapolis, IN, Mary Beth McDonald of Sparks, GA, Greta Marie Strum and husband Jerry of Oklahoma City, OK; thirty grandchildren; thirty five great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two sisters, Evelyn Johnson of Orange Park, FL, and Naomi Twiggs of Stockton, GA; and many numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00, Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Friendship Cemetery, Hahira, Georgia. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Music Funeral Services in Lakeland. Kind words and expressions of sympathy can be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com . The Rayford Eugene Bennett family is being served by the caring and professional staff of Music Funeral Services of Lakeland.