I just received from Legacy that there was another post and I enjoy reading them so.  

I first met Steve the first day he came to Golfview Junior High School and we were in 9th grade.  We hit it off instantly and he was rather good looking so that made it even nicer.  He really liked my friend Nancy Sjoquist, but she was going with Ronnie Chewning.  He lived near her, I lived close by, but Drexel Road did not go through yet, so I would have to walk the pipe going across the drainage ditch, we would all go over to where Century Village is now and go swimming in the lakes.  We had lots of fun on the weekends then during the summers.  I also remember the boys playing football and Betty Lamb would play too, me and Nanc would be the cheerleaders, did not want to get hurt, well one time Betty and some guy ran into each other and she jumped up and help the guy up, well Steve thought that was a riot, so he gave the guy some nickname after that, I can not remember what it was.

After high school we all went our separate ways, I would see Steve from time to time and he would always talk as he was a friendly person, of course he like to jab at you, but that was ok, I could hold my own.

Then Sharyn Brandenburg called and mentioned they were coming up and going to stay at Steve's house, so I pulled together a little mini-reunion at our home.  I remember meeting them at the Tuesday flea market in Murphy N.C., well Steve thought it was the one on Hwy 129 and I told them no if they called it the Tuesdays flea market it was in downtown Murphy, not liking to be corrected should I say, he wanted to meet at Brother's Restaurant which by the way is right by the flea market on 129, but he was wrong and I was right, it was like we were back in 9th grade, me saying nayanaya!  I  am right and Bennett you are wrong!

We had him at our house or we would go to his house and eat, as we all loved to do that.

I will miss the bantering we had with one another.

Until we meet again, remember I love you.

Gretchen

I was very sad to hear of Steve's passing. My husband and I have been reminicing since hearing the news...Here are some of my memories of Steve.

I met Steve at a Jimmy Buffett concert where his motorhome was a haven for our tailgating before the concert.  That was just the beginning of a few years of fun that I will never forget. We had great times out on the boat...great cookouts in Loxahatchie and a very memorable trip in the motorhome to Fort Meyer's.  My 30th birthday was at Steve's house where I ended up wearing my cake instead of eating it.  I would have never tried crab cakes if it wasn't for Steve..nor will I foget the 'set it and forget it' rotisserie!  Most important of all, it was through Steve that I met my future husband....'Stick man's' brother, Jeffy (as Terri calls them).  
If it wasn't for Steve's friendship with Jeff and the time I spent out in Loxahatchie I wouldn't be married to my best friend and one of Steve's best friends....and for that, I thank him.  

I know it has been years since we have seen each other but I know I'll see you'll again...Rest in peace, Steve!

Many of the posts on this site are from Steve’s newer friends…people he met since retiring from the County.  It appears he has MANY great friends in Perry, Florida and in North Carolina and I am thankful for that.   I thought it might be nice, though, and a little fun for the family to bring up some of the old names and stories that go along with them.
The very first time I ever laid eyes on Steve Bennett was at a Country dance hall in the 1980s called “The Tiger’s Paw”.  He strategically placed himself in such a location that he would eventually see EVERY woman that was there….and that was by leaning on the cigarette vending machine that was RIGHT by the Women’s Restroom door.  (Pretty smart!)   He asked me if I would like to dance and I told him as soon as I was finished in the restroom I would be glad to.  When I came out I looked around for him and finally spied this dark haired, dark eyed, good looking man.  I said, “Heh, you ready for that dance?” and he looked me over, head to toe, and said “Sure"!   In the middle of the song Steve came up behind me, tapped me on my shoulder, and asked me why I was dancing with his roommate, Scott!  I had the WRONG guy!  In my defense, they really DID look alike.
At a BBQ (those of you at the service know that this was the BBQ where the meat showed up in the back of a Pickup Truck SQUEELING) at what the guys called “The Ranch” on C Road in Loxahatchee  (back then, Loxahatchee was the STICKS!),   Steve introduced me to another one of his close friends, Boyd.  I called him Boyd for YEARS until I heard someone call him Gervis.  I asked who Gervis was, and they pointed to Boyd.  Turns out Boyd was his LAST name.  I had been going around calling this guy by his last name and never knowing it.  I had never met a “Gervis” before.  MAYBE that’s why he preferred to go by “Boyd”. (?)  Over time, Gervis and his girlfriend, Julie, became one of our closest friends.
Another one of Steve’s close friends was  J.J. (John Johnson).    J.J. was married to Cheryl (Cheri) and they lived in Jupiter Farms .   We loved to take our dog Zap to their house and spend the whole weekend there.  “Conan the Barbarian” was one of JJ’s favorite movies and we would watch that darn thing every time we were there.  It became our personal cult movie.  We all knew all the words, which aren’t many!   Mostly grunts.  Ha     Good times!
Then there was “Rooster”……a tall drink of water with red hair.  He almost always wore a cowboy hat and he loved to dance.  We went to his wedding in Sanford, FL in our motor home.  The wedding AND the reception were held in a huge field.  We could have made a fortune charging all the girls there to use the bathroom in the motor home!    Rooster was always a lot of fun and at least in front of the ladies he was very polite.
Also want to mention “Stick Man”…..aka Lynn Shephard.   He was one of Steve’s best fishing buddies.  (not to out shine Gervis or Jeff, however, who were also great fishing buddies).   I loved Lynn’s Virginia accent and he was so SKINNY.  I believe to this day he still sports long straight hair…probably more gray now.
Paul Carver was another of Steve’s friends.  Paul was (is) very artistic.  He could paint, he could sculpt, he could mold.  I was blown away by some of his pieces.  My most favorite memory with Paul was on Steve’s boat.  We were out fishing, looking for weed lines and came upon a pod of Porpoises.  They were playing with us…actually with the BOAT.   The faster Steve would go, the faster they would go.  If he slowed down, they slowed down.     Steve let Paul and I sit on the bow of the boat (there was a railing!!) and dangle our feet into the water.   When the porpoises came up for air we could actually TOUCH their backs.  I felt like Jacque Cousteau’s daughter!!  Paul and I were worthless after that as far as fishing went!
I can’t forget to mention Jimmy Mearke!   Steve and Cheri (from J.J. & Cheri) would always talk about this Mearke guy.  You could tell they both really liked him a lot.  When I finally met him, I could see why.  The guy is pure energy!  He has a beautiful wife, Lorie, and Steve and I stayed with them for a week in the 100 year old farm house they were living in at the time, in Sweetwater, Tennessee.  It was SO cool.  I believe Steve was bitten by the bug after that to SOMEDAY live in that area.  I understand his house in North Carolina was not far from where Mearke and his family live now.
One last name from the past……  Jeff Shephard.  YUP, he’s Stick Man’s brother.  When Lynn moved back to Virginia, Jeff took over the role of fishing aficionado.   Jeff has a cute Virginia accent too!  I don’t know of any particular nickname for Jeff…..except for JEFFY which I always called him.  Jeff had some kind of power over our 2nd dog, Gizmo.  He would put his hands up on his head and wiggle his fingers and make this funny Nah-noo Nah-noo sound and Gizmo would go NUTS!   Jeff was a very good friend to Steve.
I have lost contact with most all these people and I’m sure they do not even know about Steve’s passing.  They were a big part of Steve’s life and I know it would sadden them to hear the news.   I hope some of this puts a smile (or a remembrance) on the faces of Wayne, Carol and/or Reggie.  I know they will remember some of these folks.  A life is made up of ALL kinds of people and experiences.

There are no words that will take away your pain, only time will help to ease it. May “the God of all comfort” (1 Cor. 1:3) help to you at this time.

We are sorry to lose such a wonderful peron as Steve.  Though we only knew him a few years, we will miss his smile and sharing good times with our neighbor from Perry. We'd like to send our condolences to his family.  Ray & Barbara Dulbs

We can't believe Steve is gone!We were blessed to help him move in his dream house on the top of the mountain.We had a great week and even saw old friends with him at Steve and GRetchen's.He went to the Keys with us and caught a big dolphin he was proud of.I feel very sad I wasn't there at the end to comfort him, but that was his wish!His family was there for him.I remember the day in 9th grade he started Golfview.Wish we had more time together, but I know he is in heaven and is at peace.You'll be missed.Love you!Sharyn and Raymond Tingler

To Steve's Family.He will be missed. We were blessed to be with him towards the end.We helped him get settled in his dream house.He did make it to the top of  the mountain.We were friends since 9th grade.I am very sad I wasn't there at the very end to comfort him,but that was his wish.We have recent good memories of the Keys together.I know he hated to lose his beautiful hair he had!He was close with God and weill be in good hands!Love, Sharyn and Raymond Tingler

It seems like just yesterday that me and Scott would beg to go home with you after the family get togethers at Aunt Carol's house. You were always a great uncle that we looked up to. Nothing made us prouder then when you stood up in that church and asked the lord to forgive you and save you. Your dedication to living a loving christian life is an inspiration to us all. Always thinking of others before yourself, you are an amazing man and the most wonderful uncle. Some of the fondest memories are of you taking all of us scalloping in Perry, Florida. My 4 year old still refers to it as underwater "Easter Egg Hunting". It is now a annual tradition for us that we look forward to all year. We will miss you so much, you are so dear to us. When then sun is shining on our back it will be a reminder of us that you are there with us gently guideing us on our way. We love you so much!

Tait Bennett and Family
Orlando, FL

i miss you this world will not be the same without you always loving you
my cousin

You will be missed dearly!! I LOVE YOU so much Uncle Fish!
Love Always,
Ashlie

I will miss You UNCLE FISH  and all the memories we had together love you JUSTIN

I WORKED WITH STEVE AT THE COUNTY FOR MANY YEARS BEFORE RETIRING IN 2002. HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND CO-WORKER. RIP.

I was so looking forward to seeing you this summer. You were always a true friend; and I hope you know how much you meant to me.R.I.P. my dear friend. Love Teresa

I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to Steve's family.  I met Steve at Meadow Grove Baptist Church here in Hayesville a year ago.  Since that time Steve grew very near and dear to my heart.  He spoke often to me of his love for all of you and that he knew you all loved him very much.  I will miss him so very much.  There is so much to miss... that beautiful smile, that laugh, and even his wonderful key lime pie.  He was a wonderful person who loved the Lord.  He will always hold a very special place in my heart.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

God saw you were getting tired, and a cure was not meant to be
So he put his arms around you, and whispered come with me
With tearful eyes we watched you, as we saw you pass away
Although we love you deeply, we could not make you stay
Your golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us... He only takes the best.
Forever in our Heart and Memories ?

Our prayers go out to Steve's family. Me and my family met Steve when he began attending Meadow Grove Baptist Church in Hayesville, NC. Instantly we hit it off. I think it's because we both love to fish and love to share how awesome God is, as that seemed to be what most of our conversations involved. Steve was an amazing man and someone who I am proud to call my friend. What is our loss is certainly Heaven's gain. He will be missed by all!
Regards,
Tim, Tina, Ethan & Luke Barrett

We would like to send our prayers to the family of Steve.
 I know he is happy in Heaven now. He had a strong faith and loved to share the word of God to everyone.
Steve and I shared many classes together at Golfview and Palm Beach High as we continued our friendship through the years. We enjoyed our mini reunion at Gretchen and Steve's home with a group of our classmates. I remember how excited he was when he built his new home in Hayesville, NC.  I will remember Steve for his smile. 
Steve will be greatly missed from the 1970 class of PBHS.

Steve,I'm at a loss for words. Since I was 11 years old you have been one of my dearest friends. I can't believe how many memories I have. We chewed the same Gum (Ewww) at a Golfview party. Viet Nam going away parties....Guess  Clyde and Larry got You back in Boot Camp huh?  We rode bikes together w/ David Rose, (remember my daughter knocking yours over and scratching it up??? She still remembers. haha Boy were U pissed...The BEAR HUG you gave me the last time I saw U at Nick,s... I can go on and on.... RIP my Dear Friend. I look forward to seeing you again. I Will Miss You

You know they always say, if you have something to say to someone, don't wait until tomorrow.  Tomorrow may be too late. 
Steve you will be missed by so many friends. 
Sorry we didn't get together again in Georgia.  Even though it had been a long time since some of us had seen each other, it seemed like we were back in High School. Remembering times past.
 Rest in Peace Steve.

So sorry to hear about Steve's passing...may God's hand comfort and bring you joy again soon. May you remember the many happy times!!  God's Blessings to you all...Brenda Kleinkauf Reddy....Class of 1970 aka Giggles

To My Friend Steve and his family,

We were so sorry to hear of his passing.  I enjoyed his company when he was up here in the mountains,   He would have dinner here or we would go to his house, and I always request his famous key lime pie, that he got the key lime from Key West!  We had many fun times together playing on the Wii, he was somewhat competitive and I would love to kid him that he could never beat me on bowling, as I had a perfect score!  We enjoyed going to church with him and he with us.  We tried to involve him in many of our plans and introduce him to our friends. 

Several girls were just talking about how cute he was on face book, so I called and left him a message on Sunday afternoon.  I sure hope he received it as I told him that they all thought he was still so handsome.

He loved his family, and his mountain cabin and his fishing place in Florida, but he loved the Lord the most and I know he is up there looking after everyone.

He  will be greatly missed by many.  I spoke to the Pastor of his church in Hayesville, N.C. and I know his church will miss him, as he was an asset to his church and helped serve in anyway he could.

With Regards,
Gretchen & Steve Everman

I am saddened to hear of Steve's passing, I have so many memories with Steve at PBHS. We will keep all of Steve's family in our thoughts and prayers.

I am sorry to hear of Steve passing, I have so many memories of Steve at PBHS. Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve's family.

I am sorry to hear about Steve I have so many great memories from PBHS. Our prayers and thoughts will be with his family.

Steve,  You will be missed by so many but you are in a much greater place now.  I'll see you when He returns.  Loretta Holaday (PBHS "70)

We are so sorry to hear of Steve's death. We will miss him so much! Due to a death in our family, we will be unable to attend the funeral. We will keep all of you in our prayers. Johnny and Penny Reynolds

OBITUARY

Stephen Bennett

July 29, 1952 – May 17, 2011

Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home

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