Jesse Louie “Lou” Bennett

Jesse Louie “Lou” Bennett, 70, of Panama City Beach, Florida, passed Friday, June 17, 2022.  A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 30, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at New Salem Baptist Church in Gray, Georgia.

Lou was born Jan 10,1952 in Macon, Georgia to the late George and Richie Weaver Bennett.  He graduated from Lanier High School in 1970 and then went on to the University of Georgia and received a degree in business.  After college, he joined the United States Marines and went into Officer Candidate School.   After receiving his Wings, he moved to southern California and flew KC130’s throughout the Pacific. Lou lived in southern California until he left the Marine Corp. He went on to fly for two commuter airlines until he was hired by American Airlines. Austin, Texas became his next home for almost 30 years. He then moved to Columbus, Georgia. He retired from American Airlines after 30 years of service. Lou enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing, golf, and tennis and he loved animals. He was a kind and generous person to all.

In addition to his parents, Jesse was preceded in death by brother, Tommy Bennett.

Lou is survived by his daughter, Merritt Grimsley Brooks (Cody) of Round Rock, Texas; 4 grandchildren; sister, Connie Robbins (George) of Duluth, Georgia and many nieces and cousins.

Hart’s Jones County Chapel, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray, GA 31032 has charge of the arrangements.