William P Bennett

Paul was born October 3, 1947, the son of Walter Loyd Bennett and Martha Brown Bennett. He grew up in Crenshaw, Mississippi, a small town in the Mississippi delta. He graduated in 1965 from North Panola High School as an honor student. He also excelled on the school’s track team. He was especially proud of his second place finish in the 200 meter race at the state track meet.

After graduation, he left his hometown to attend college at Mississippi State University. He graduated in 1969 with a B.S. in geology, and he then spent an additional year in graduate school. Even after leaving Starkville, he continued to follow their sport’s teams, watching whenever he could.

Paul then served a year and a half in the U.S. Army, mostly in Turkey. After finishing his military obligation, Paul moved to New Orleans to begin working as an exploration geophysicist for Texaco. New Orleans became Paul’s adopted hometown and he became a lifelong New Orleans Saints fan. He especially enjoyed the season where the Saints won the Super Bowl.

During his working as a geophysicist, he also had the opportunity to work for 3 years in England for the Aramco Oil Company.

In 1993, Paul began working for the U.S. Geological Survey as a hydrotechnician. He worked in Wichita Falls, TX, before transferring to the Atlanta, GA office. Paul always thought the time he worked at the USGS was the best job he ever had. He got to spend many days outdoors in the beautiful North Georgia mountains. He had many fond memories of that job and the people he worked with. Paul retired in 2010.

Paul is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan Morgan Bennett; his daughter Pamela Van Deelen (Mike) of San Diego, CA; his son, Zachary Bennett (Allie) of Atlanta; two grandchildren, Walter and Margot Van Deelen; his sister, Loretta Ray; one niece; two nephews; and numerous cousins.

His body will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date when it is a safer time to gather.