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his side throughout this journey was his devoted husband, Luis Manuel Martinez Garcia, and numerous relatives.

Correspondences often related our dearest Lamar seldom ceasing to still love and live despite his diagnosis. As I recollect those recent times and even days of old, I am certain he would prank me terribly for penning a woeful obituary. Dr. Bennett lived.

Born to Lester Lamar Bennett II and Guinelle Bearden in Alma July 14th in the year 1943, he was restless as the world. His upbringing in Beach, Ga., then Uvalda, Ga., was one of traditional southern ideals, but our young man yearned for more than courtesies and cordialities. His wide eyes and big dreams first led him to the University of Georgia where he obtained a Doctoral degree in various disciplines. The world that little boy imagined became that young man’s oyster and he traveled furiously. Dr. Bennett’s degree enabled him to teach in numerous countries, but more important to him, to be taught by the world. He was a vagabond, the man with a thousand homes.

In addition to his parents, also was preceded in death by his stepfather, Horace Bearden.

Dr. Bennett wasn’t a man who could live without love; and he found that in Ms. Catherine Bennett. The two sweethearts wed and created a family of two boys, Lamar Bennett IV (Penny) and Morris Bennett; and two girls, C.G. Furman (Doug) and Elizza Crews. The family again expanded with his grandchildren, Lars Rosa (Ashleigh), Ty Bennett (Ashley), Wyatt Crews, Hailey Boutwell (David), Clay Bennett, Savannah Furman and Madison Drury. He was elated when he again was blessed to see the expansion of his family with great grandchildren, Parker Bennett, Carter Bennett, Briar Bennett, Raymond Boutwell and Madison McGee. Dr. Bennett also dearly loved his cousins, Carla Hartley along with her children, Lan and Christy and family, and Eugene (Beth), providing him with cherished memories and overwhelming joy. Though not blood related, his travels and kindness brought into his life Lance Green, Dr. Jose Soler, Mazie Williams and countless others he considered relatives.

Dr. Bennett later remarried the love of his life, Luis Manuel Martinez Garcia, who settled him, and he enjoyed a rural life in Monroe, Ga. He gardened, tended sheep, geese, cats — well most furry creatures — and hosted family often. A domestic life replaced his wings, but he was content. Dr Bennett was love. Dr Bennett was compassion. Dr Bennett was light. He gave freely of himself and never missed an adventure. Our dearest father, grandfather, husband, friend, and relative departed having lived a full life. Let us now live life as he.

A memorial service was held Monday, March 3 at Grace Episcopal Church.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.c om Music Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.