Rj Bennett

R J. "Bear" Bennett, 80, of Vermilion , died Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at Community Health Partners West, Lorain after a sudden illness. He was born July 17, 1929 in Chalybeate, Mississippi and has been a Vermilion resident for the past 52 years. He lost both of his parents at a very young age and was forced to become a man. He has been on his own since he was 12 years old. He worked in sawmills and had a very hard life. He had many jobs including Bruce Lumber Co., Heinz, the railroad in Chicago, driving a city bus in Memphis and finally at Ford Motor where he retired in 1986 after 30 years. He was an avid sports fan. He loved watching the Browns with his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed shooting pool, fishing, playing corn hole, going to Delmonico's Barber Shop and listening to Joe's tales and jokes. He enjoyed spending his days with the love of his life, Billie. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Billie (nee Ayers) Bennett; daughters, Rhonda (Wayne) Davis of Vermilion, Debbie (Andy) Jennings of Vermilion; son, Rob (Twania) Bennett of Walnut, MS; sisters, Maureen (Fried) Crum of Walnut, MS, Viola Cox of Walnut, MS; 6 grandchildren, Casandra, Shelby, Donny, Joshua, Laura and Chris; 8 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson and 1 great great granddaughter on the way and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding him in death were his parents, Johnny Young and Roxie Annie (nee Wilbanks) Bennett, brothers, James Bennett, Roy Bennett, Willie Bennett; sisters, Wilma Wilbanks, Onie Alvarez, and Ethel Zalgahir. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2010 and from noon to the time of a funeral service at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 16, 2010 at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Reverend Jim Cooper, pastor of the Harbourtown Community Church, will officiate. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation,1930 North State Route 19, Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449 Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.