William "Bill" Gerald Bennett

William Gerald Bennett, 63, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed into eternity Easter Monday, April 22. Bill was known and loved for his gentle smile, his stalwart friendship, and his abiding faith. Together with his wife, Lorraine, he created a home that welcomed friends and family in an atmosphere that honored Jesus Christ in every way. Bill was born in Rockland County, NY, in 1956, the middle child of Mable Harris and Ivan Bennett. He graduated from West Virginia University in 1977 and married Lorraine Sullivan in 1993. He was employed by Meritor in Laurinburg, NC, as an industrial engineer.He was an active parishioner at St. Anne Catholic Church, leader of the Sword of Saint Michael Prayer Group, and a member of the Knights of Columbus of SC Council 5194 and Assembly 1574. He was a Sir Knight. Bill loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping trips with Lorraine and annual trout fishing trips with Erin, his daughter. He used his considerable carpentry and engineering skills in the construction and renovation of his home and other buildings on his farmland. Bill’s gardens overflowed with vegetables which he happily shared with friends. He enjoyed target shooting and was an accomplished and decorated archer.He was a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Bill is survived by his wife, Lorraine, of the home; daughter, Erin (Shawn) Deery of Columbia; brother, Fredrick Bennett of Roswell, NM; sister, Susan Bennett of Orlando, FL; an uncle, Thomas Williams and a number of cousins of West Virginia. For those who wish to participate in a rosary, a wake will be held Thursday at 6 pm at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home, 2402 S. Irby St., Florence, followed by 7 pm visitation. A funeral mass is scheduled for 11 am Friday at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 2536 W. Hoffmeyer Rd, followed by interment at Mount Hope Cemetery. Luncheon will follow at St. Anne Catholic Church, 113 S. Kemp St.Afterward, the family will receive friends at the Bennett home, 2129 Willow Creek Rd., Effingham. Memorials may be made to the St. Anne Catholic Church Building Fund, 113 S. Kemp Street, Florence, SC 29506. Please sign the tribute wall for the family at www.stoudenmiredowling.com.