Stephen D. Bennett

Stephen D. Bennett, 93, of Rocky Mount died Friday, October 28, 2016. He was born June 26, 1923 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, son of the late Stephen D. and Iryma R. (Waskey) Bennett. He was also preceded in death by Robert E. Bennett (brother) and Laura Lyon Kiser (niece). He was a 1940 graduate of Rocky Mount High School and a 1947 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.S. Degree in Chemistry. He served with the United States Navy after joining V-6 Program in 1942. After graduating from Midshipman School at Northwestern University, he was commissioned ensign and assigned to radar and sonar school. He participated in the Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Japanese mainland operations aboard the U.S.S. Reynolds D E 42. After the cessation of hostilities, he transferred to the U.S.S. Fogg D E 57 which was an antisubmarine warfare ship assigned to Atlantic training command. Released from active duty in 1946, he was promoted to the permanent rank of Lieutenant, Senior Grade, U.S. Navel Reserve and transferred to the retired reserve. Mr. Bennett spent his entire career in the textile industry. He joined Sidney Blumenthal in 1948 as a supervisor in the chemistry lab at the Rocky Mount plant. Continuing his career with Burlington Industries when they acquired Blumenthal, he was promoted to chemist, plant chemist, and technical superintendent. He retired in 1988, after 40 years of service. During this time, he worked for six different manufacturing divisions. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Joyce (Tippett) Bennett of Rocky Mount; two daughters and son-in-laws, Gina B. and John E. Cotton of High Point, and Lee B. and Alan E. Bailey of Red Oak; son and daughter-in-law, Stephen D. and Janet W. Bennett of Wilson; three granddaughters and two grandsons; a sister, Iryma B. Webb of Greensboro; and four nephews. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, October 31, 2016 at 4:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church with Rev. Terry Williams officiating. Visitation with the family will be immediately following the service until 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Endowment Fund of Englewood United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 7128, Rocky Mount, NC 27804-0128 or the Boys and Girls Homes of NC, P. O. Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Englewood United Methodist Church 300 S. Circle Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-2926 --> | Monday 10/31, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Service Englewood United Methodist Church 300 S. Circle Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-2926 --> | Monday 10/31, 4:00 pm