Ralph Watson Bennett

Ralph was born in Great Falls, South Carolina in Chester County on August 7, 1939.

Ralph graduated from Great Falls High School and attended Carolina Business College for two years. Ralph went into the Army for three years and when he got out of the Army, he married his Sweetheart, Frances “Cookie” Barton on December 28, 1963.

Ralph started driving a semi-truck working for Fredrickson Trucking and moved into management. He then went to work for Bonded Logistics as a Regional Warehouse Manager. He retired from Bonded after 35 years. Ralph was a member and deacon at Hickory Grove Baptist Church for many years. Ralph had many passions but Golf was the big one. UNC Tarheels, NASCAR and word search puzzles would follow behind golf.

Our dad’s biggest passion would have been being the Greatest Husband and the Best Father any wife or child could have asked for. As the children, we are so grateful for all of his love and understanding. Dad was there for all of our event cheering us on. We never questioned the love he had for all of us. He showed it always. We could see the love he had for mom - 58 years says a lot. Heaven and Jesus got a Great man.

Surviving family members include his wife, Frances “Cookie” Bennett; son, Ralph Watson “Rocky” Bennett, Jr. and his fiancée, Debi; daughter, Maryann Beane and husband, Brad; brother and sister–in-law, Harold and Joyce Bennett; brother-in-law, Tom McIlroy; in-law and friend, Don Beane; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Barton. Ralph also leaves behind plenty of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. All of his great friends and all of our friends growing up that he considered his children too. Mrs. Virginia and Mr. Lee for looking out for Dad.

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers and staff at Novant Hospital in Matthews and Main locations. Also a big thank you to Hospice and all the great caregivers that were there to help us through this journey.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or Novant Health Hospice, 324 N. McDowell Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com for the Bennett family.