Harland Clark Bennett

Harland Clark Bennett was born to Wilson Asa and Florence Lucille Bennett, August 5, 1922. Harland attended Athens Public Schools and graduated in 1939. He played football in high school and could still in his late years, recall memories from those days. From childhood on, Harland loved farming. He and his dad worked together for many years, and later, he was in partnership with his son, Larry. He had a dairy herd for quite some time and after selling his farm on 44th St., he raised pigs and beef cattle, as well as field crops. He was married to Mildred Pence, December 14, 1943. They had two children - Sandra Lyn (1945) and Larry Clinton (1948). Mildred suffered from cancer for about 1 ½ years and passed away December 23, 1966. On June 8, 1968, Harland married Helen Wolthuis Oswalt, who also had farmed with her husband all of her married life. Harland and Helen enjoyed many years of fishing, bowling, and winters in Florida. Helen died from pancreatic cancer February 23, 2006. After semi-retirement from farming, Harland took up carving and became a very accomplished carver. Helen aided him with the painting for the first few pieces, but soon Harland was painting his own pieces. He won several first place ribbons at the Florida State Fair for his work. Harland passed away December 29, 2016 at the Birchs AFC home where he had received wonderful care since January 1, 2014. Survivors include his son, Larry (Marilyn) Bennett, daughter, Sandra (Tom) Johnson, grandchildren - Bradley Parsons, Trevor Bennett and Traci (Bill) Peck. Greatgrandchildren - Connor and Mason Parsons, Cole Morrison, Lexi and Ty Bennett. Step-daughter, Phyllis (Gene) Orton and step-son-in-law, Ron Eaton. Step-grandchildren Robert Orton and Jason Eaton, step-great grandchildren - Jaydn and Jarret Eaton and Sophia Orton. Sister-in laws Mina Davis, Patsy Bagwell and Norma Pence and Brother-in-law, Chuck Forman. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, David Parsons, great-grandsons, Derrick Parsons and Noah Bennett; step-daughter, Karen Eaton, Brother & sister-in-law George and Maxine Bartholomew; brother-in-laws, Lyle Simmons, Dennis Davis, George Pence and Cecil Bagwell; sister-in-law, Ardith Forman. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Wakeshma Community Church where he was a member. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to Wakeshma Community Church.