Hazel Lou Bennett

Hazel Lou (Morgan) Bennett, 94, passed away on January 31, 2024. She was born on December 10, 1929, in Ochlocknee, Georgia and was the fifth of six siblings: James, John, Marvin, Edna, and Fred, all of whom have predeceased her, losing Fred only recently. She moved to Orlando Florida in 1940, and then to Pine Castle, Florida. She attended school grades six through nine in Pine Castle and graduated from Orlando High School in 1947. She worked several jobs in Orlando after high school such as waitressing and then as a clerk with the Florida Unemployment Office.

She eventually met her future husband, Randle (Ray) L. Bennett, and on January 9th, 1953, they were married. Hazel and Ray had three children together, Randle L. Jr. (Randy) born in 1954, Randle G. (Glenn) born in 1955, Brenda S. born in 1959, with oldest brother Randle C. (Chuck) from Ray’s previous marriage.

Prior to and after their marriage, Ray worked at West Blacksmith Shop located at 19 S. Division Avenue. Hazel and Ray purchased the business in 1953, changing the name to Bennett Blacksmith Shop. As they worked side by side, the business grew. Hazel handled the bookkeeping and Ray worked in and ran the shop. When the business outgrew the shop on Division Avenue, they moved to a larger facility in 1962 located at 3652 Old Winter Garden Road. In 1965, the business name was changed to Bennett Truck Equipment, reflecting the shift in the focus of the business. All their children, including some of the grandchildren, worked at the Company at one time or another. The business was incorporated in 1970 with Ray as the President. Eventually Ray would retire, and Hazel took the President’s position until turning the corporation over to her two sons.

While her children were in their school years, in addition to working in the family business, Hazel worked in the PTA at Robinswood Junior High and Maynard Evans High Schools. In later years, she volunteered at West Orange Hospital, Health Central Hospital, and Lucerne Hospital and enjoyed ballroom dancing, participating in events with the studio she attended. For a time, she was a member of The Red Hat Society, proudly donning the Red Hat – Red being her signature color throughout most of her life.

Hazel loved to travel. Family trips to the Carolina mountains, Colorado, Key West, Sanibel Island, and Washington DC to mention a few. She and Ray traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, and Spain. After Ray passed, she continued with travelling with trips to Egypt and Israel, Iceland, and Europe to mention a few.

Hazel was a member of Powers Drive Baptist Church while living in Pine Hills, then joined First Baptist of Winter Garden while living in Oakland. After Ray passed in 1993, she moved to the Metro West area and returned to Powers Drive Baptist Church, staying an active member until the church’s merger with a worship center located in another town.

Hazel is survived by sons Chuck, and his wife Evelyn; Randy, and his wife Barbara; and daughter Brenda, and her husband Matt; along with many Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Son Glenn predeceased Hazel in 2019.

Ever the planner, Hazel had looked ahead to her passing and requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Edgewood Children’s Ranch, a local non-profit that she had supported over the years.

Edgewood Children’s Ranch

1451 Edgewood Ranch Road

Orlando, Florida 32835

407-295-2464

A visitation for Hazel will be held Sunday, February 11, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. A celebration of life service will occur Sunday, February 11, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. An interment will occur Sunday, February 11, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. A repast will occur Sunday, February 11, 2024 from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734.