Robert L. Tommy Bennett Sr.

Robert L. (Tommy) Bennett, Sr., 92, of Jonesboro died Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at Jonesboro Health Care. Tommy Bennett was retired from Craighead Electric Corporative. He was born in Greenfield, Arkansas on October 27, 1922 to Homer and Clara Tanneyhill Bennett; he lived his entire life in the Jonesboro area. He attended school at Valley View. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Melindia Schisler Bennett, two brothers, Curtis Bennett and Cecil Bennett, and three infant siblings.

Tommy loved the Lord and served as a Deacon at Friendly Hope Baptist Church for many years. He received several decorations as a veteran of WWII, including the Good Conduct medal; American Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII; Sharpshooter Badge with Machine Gun Bar; the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars. While serving in General Patton’s 3rd Army, he was involved in military actions with the Defense of Great Britain, Battles in Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland and Central Europe. His unit the, 546th AAA BN Battery B, were credited with more than 30 enemy aircraft shot down.

Tommy enjoyed baseball before the war and was a lifelong enthusiast. Tommy also enjoyed the outdoors, running his beagle dogs and hunting with his family and friends. He was a member of the Jonesboro Masonic Lodge #129.

He is survived by two sons, Robert L. Bennett, Jr (Nancy) of Longmont, Colorado; Lindel Ray Bennett (Wyvetta) of Cherokee Village, Arkansas. Tommy has three grandchildren, Michael R. Bennett, Melody B. Simon, Robby Bennett, and 5 great grandchildren, Ashley Bennett, Noah, Carson, Mackenzie, and Owen Simon. He has a brother and three sisters, Lafayette L. Bennett, Geraldine W. Brewer, Grace J. Wiles, and Betty Jean Trammell.

Funeral services will be 10:00 Saturday, January 31, 2015 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Bobby Barnett officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Burial will follow at Mount Pisgah Cemetery with Michael Bennett, Robby Bennett, Murphy Bennett, Gayland Bennett, Steve Carnathan, and Collin Elder serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be from 5-7 Friday night at Emerson Chapel. To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.