BLACKSHEAR — Mr. Patrick Leon Bennett, 55, of Blackshear, passed away suddenly Friday evening, July 28, 2023, at his residence.
Born February 26, 1968 in Waycross, Bennett had lived in Pierce County for most of his life. He was known by all his friends as a simple man who showed his love by pouring his heart into the things that brought him joy.
When he was a boy, his “Pa” taught him how to work with his hands, growing watermelons, a trade he would pass on to his son, Patch. Bennett also learned to raise and show livestock, a hobby he used to bond with his daughter, Carson whom he called “Sissy.”
Bennett was a celebrated member of the Future Farmers of America. From middle school to high school, he racked up quite a few titles in the FFA organization including serving as chapter officer, a member of the 1985 state winner Dairy Judging Team, 1986 State Livestock Judging Team and recipient of the Green Hand Degree, Chapter Farmer Degree and Georgia Planter Degree. At one competition Bennett even won himself a Limousine Heifer.
None of these awards compared to the best prize he ever won – his “sweet thang,” Shannon, whom he made his wife in August 1997. True to his fashion, it was a slow burn type of love that led to a potent and powerful love story and later two amazing children.
Bennett was a member of the Pierce County High School class of 1986. He continued his education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College where he earned his Associates Degree. Bennett was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of the Pierce County Hunting Club and Riverswamp Hunting Club. Bennett truly loved dog hunting and fishing the Alabaha River.
For 25 years he served the community with his bucket truck and a chainsaw. Alongside his friend and business partner, Wiley Cowan, he operated A-1 Tree Service. He took great pride in coaching recreation football. Over eight years, his coaching skills and dedication to the boys on the field made it possible for him to lead his teams to three state championship gaames winning two titles.
Bennett loved his wife, Shannon, and his two children, Carson and Patch, as well as his dogs, cows and hogs on the farm. He could be found every Sunday morning at First Baptist Church in Dan Bennett’s Sunday School class asking the hard-hitting questions.
His family and friends will remember him the way he always was, cracking jokes and reminiscing over stories from days past. Like a true friend, Bennett made fun of you to your face and sang praises behind your back.
He was a good neighbor and a true friend to many, including his extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and countless cousins. Bennett will be sorely missed by the many he loved and the countless who loved him.
He was the son of the late Charles Leon and Anne Crosby Bennett. He also was preceded in death by a brother, Len Parrish.
Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Shannon Strickland Bennett of Blacksher; a daughter, Carson Payne Bennett of Brooklyn, N.Y.; a son, Patrick Charles “Patch” Bennett of Blackshear; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Chuck and Sandra Parrish of Blackshear, and Tommy and Brenda Parrish of Clinton, S.C.; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A Celebration of Life was held Monday July 31 at First Baptist Church of Blackshear.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider celebrating Bennett’s life with donations to the Pat Bennett Memorial Fund that will be established at PrimeSouth Bank. These funds will be used to benefit two organizations near and dear to his heart, recreational sports and a Future Farmers of America scholarship.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home in Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.
