Reid Bennett

Reid Arnold Bennett, 85, died Friday, February 19, 2010 in his home in Gretna, VA after a courageous and dignified two-year battle in the midst of declining health. He has now taken that final step from his earthly dwelling to a glorious eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With the help of Hospice of the Hills, and numerous family members and friends, he was able to spend the last of his days in the home that he loved surrounded by family and friends.Reid was born December 15, 1924 in Altavista, VA, to Eva Jane Stinnette and Ottis Bennett. He was one of eight children. He was close to his family and friends, who were always eager to hear his ?tall tales?. Mr. Bennett served in WWII as a PFC Scout Sharpshooter which entailed dangerous undercover work behind enemy lines, often alone. Upon discharge, he returned to Altavista where he and his wife, Mabel, lived for one year, then moved to Hurt. Their residence has been in the Gretna area for the past forty-five years.Mr. Bennett was a member of his boyhood church, Central Baptist Church, Altavista where he was a member of the Board of Deacons and member of V. F. W. Post 4165. He was also an active leader in the Royal Ambassadors and Sunday School at Sycamore Baptist Church and always took an interest in young people. Being an avid hunter, he was quite a marksman. He gave generously of his time and talents in making bluebird houses, and donating them to the Altavista Garden Club members and the Staunton Riverfront Park, as well as family members and friends through the years. Upon moving to the Gretna area, he was able to use his creative carpentry skills to remodel the farmhouse.Survivors include his beloved wife, of sixty-two years Mabel Scruggs Bennett; a daughter, Linda Bennett Giles and her husband Roger of Chatham; a son, Stanley Reid Bennett and his wife Donna of Lynchburg; a sister, June Bennett Quisenberry and her husband Patrick of Mechanicsville; and a beloved uncle, William O. ?Bill? Bennett. Reid is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.A funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 21, 2010 at Central Baptist Church by the Rev. Michael Duncan, Jr. with burial at Green Hill Cemetery with military honors by V. F. W. Post 4165.The family will receive friends from 4:00 ? 6:00 p.m., Saturday, February 20, 2010 at Finch & Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Altavista.The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Hills for the kindness and compassion that they demonstrated while Mr. Bennett was in their care. The family also wishes to acknowledge and thank The Medicine Shoppe employees, Dr. Carter and his staff, Ed Fitzgerald, and Lisa and Nancy Morrison for their many acts of loving kindness and compassion during Mr. Bennett?s last months.The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider, Centra Hospice of the Hills, 3300 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24503 or Central Baptist Church Youth Group, 515 7th Street, Altavista, VA 24517.

Reid Bennett

December 15, 1924 - February 19, 2010