George Edward Bennett, Jr.

George Edward Bennett, Jr., passed away on March 12, 2024, in his 76th year of age. He was born on December 20, 1947, to the late Honorable Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Mr. George E. Bennett, Sr. and Mrs. Ophelia (Nealy) Bennett-Gray, in Evansville, Indiana.

George Jr. grew up in Evansville, in the southern section, called Oakdale. He attended Glenwood Elementary School from 1st grade through the 8th grade. George continued his education at Bosse High School until he was drafted during his senior year. He completed high school during basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina in 1966. After his marine training, he was inducted into the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina until he was sent to Camp Pendleton, California where George trained in jungle warfare, for the Vietnam War. He served as an “A Gunner” on a Huey helicopter for 19 months in country combat. In Vietnam, George was exposed to a high level of danger due to his involvement in close air support, medical evacuation, and troop transport missions. George's service played a significant role in the survival of many Marine’s lives. George was given a life expectancy of two weeks in air and 42 seconds on the ground. He was wounded twice and was awarded 2 Purple Hearts and several combat medals, which included medals for combat bravery; he was only 19 years old. At the end of his tour, George was stationed in Tokyo, Japan and served as a Military Police Officer. [Semper Fidelis Marine George Edward Bennett, Jr. Oooorah!].

Upon returning home in 1970, George worked in several convenient stores as a manager. He saw limited opportunities in Evansville, so he decided to relocate to Inglewood, California to seek job opportunities. Although he returned back to Evansville briefly, he left again for California. This time he chose to settle in Bakersfield, where he found a passion for cooking French- Gourmet cuisine. He attended and graduated from the Le Cordon Bleu Cooking Institute in Bakersfield, where he became a certified chief.

George, returned back to the Midwest, where he gained employment as a chef with the Marriott hotel in Downtown Indianapolis. George was featured in the Indianapolis newspapers during the famous Circle City Classics. He was selected to be a manager for corporate events and several conventions. George was a skilled ice carver, as well. His proudest carving was of the “Mercedes-Benz” logo.

As time moved on, George pursued a position as a chef at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. There he had the privilege of serving Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Charlie Pride, and many other country western entertainers. He also catered events for major stars (at the time) like, Marla Gibbs, who starred in the Jeffersons and later 227 as Regina King's mother and Whitman Mayo “Grady” a star in the television show, with Redd Foxx “Sanford & Son”. George found great satisfaction as a chef. He knew how to cook, that's for sure!

George will be forever celebrated by his first and last love, and present wife, Althea Mitchell Young –Bennett; and three sisters, Carol Ann Bennett, Cynthia Bennett-Jackson (George), and Constance Bennett. George and Althea have a blended family of three children, daughter, Michele Keyes-Coates, Jameka Gaines-Bennett, and Derek Young, Sr.; fifteen grandchildren; a host of nephews and nieces; several great-nieces, and great-nephews and cousins.

He was preceded by his grandparents; parents; Althea's parents; brothers, Rodney Bennett and Dennis Paul Bennett; in-laws, Robert Miller, Sr., Mary Miller; brother-in-law, Darin Keith Miller; sister-in-law, Vennetta Mitchell; brother-in-law, Donald Miller; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Althea wishes to thank so many of you for your prayers, support, concern, care, calls, texts, gifts, and so much love that you showered on George and her. You all kept her filled with faith during his 40 days in the hospital, and even now, as she can still feel your prayers supporting her through her grief. Thank you all so very much. Also, a special thanks to LaDane and Darlene Snaden for their help during his illness.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation for George on Saturday, March 23, 2024 from Noon until 1:00 p.m. at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN. A funeral service will take place following the visitation at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home officiated by Bishop G.W. Frazier. George's service will be livestreamed beginning at 12:50 p.m., please visit www.facebook.com/FuneralStreamUSA

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.