Charles McGee Bennett of Green Creek passed away at home on Brier Rose Farm February 4, 2008. He was the son of Bertha Merrill and Raymond Bennett of New Brunswick, N.J., and Miami, Fla. Bennett was born February 24, 1920 on Brickell Ave. in Miami, Fla. He was raised in Florida, Virginia, Georgia, and New Jersey. He graduated from Ponce De Leon High School in Coral Gables,Fla. and attended the University of Miami after serving in the military during WWII. He fought in Tunisia, Algeria and Sicily, with the first Division, and later transferred to the 45th Division to serve in the invasion of Italy, where he was wounded. He always said his training with the Boy Scouts saved his life during the many battles he endured as a forward point observer for the artillery. He started his own company, Florida Flooring, which became the largest flooring subcontractor in the country. His career was varied and entrepreneurial; Outdoor Advertising, Bell Helicopter, Beach Craft Airplane Distributor, Partner in the Jolliet Illinois Airport and Jolliet Metallurgical. He was also a land developer in Illinois and Colorado. Bennett also helped build two Lutheran churches in Florida and Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Coco, and his children, Bradford C. Bennett (Susanne) of Englewood, Colo., William S. Bennett (Cheryl) of Englewood, Jane Thurik of Kirkland, Wash., and Megan O'Brien of Green Creek, and eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren, and his sister Virginia Bennett of Dacula, Georgia. Also his two dogs, Pickles and Paddy, and his beloved horse Contessa. Thank you to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills and Community Health Connection. There will be a memorial service later this month.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the Foothills Humane Society or to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
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