Gilbert D. Bennett, Jr.

Gilbert D. Bennett, Jr was born on October 2, 1932 in Orangeburg, SC and passed away March 15, 2016 in Macon, GA. After finishing high school, he enlisted in the Navy and fought in the Korean War by serving on the USS Helena. After serving his country he received his BS from The Citadel and his Masters of Accounting from the University of Alabama. Passing the CPA exam the first attempt, he worked for two national accounting firms in Atlanta before moving to Macon and running his own accounting practice. He worked as a volunteer in several organizations in Macon including the Citizens on Patrol, Mulberry Methodist soup kitchen and Historic Macon. As an adult, he joined St. Joseph's Catholic Church and achieved the honor of Fourth Degree from the Knights of Columbus. He always enjoyed giving tours of the natural spring under his own home on Georgia Avenue. He was also a lover of animals and participated in the rescue of not only cats, but also with numerous breeds of dogs including multiple Mastiffs. He made several friends over the years by participating in the Macon Labor Day Road Race and was active in the Macon Tracks Running Club. Gilbert, son of the late Gilbert D. Bennett Sr. and Gertrude C. Bennett, was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Mary Ann Bennett, his second wife, Lesley Kennedy Bennett, and his daughter, Kate Bilow. Survivors include his son, Steve (Paula) Bennett; Grandchildren India (Rick) Godfrey, Stephen Bilow, Eric (Jennifer) Bilow, Chris Bilow, Benjamin Bennett and Andrew Bennett; Great Grandchildren Peyton, Zack and Michael Godfrey; Carah, Amber, Wesley and William Bilow, and Christian Bilow. His brothers Jack (Marian) Bennett and Charles (Linda) Bennett. Services will be held on Friday, March 18, 2016 at 2:00PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Vernon Knight officiating. Burial will be private in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends Thursday from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Hart's, Cherry Street. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Historic Macon Foundation, 935 High Street, Macon, Georgia 31201 or to an animal rescue organization of the donor's choice. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, 765 Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.