"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4:7

On March 25, 2025, Richard Thomas Bennett, a resident of Magee, MS made his earthly departure and transitioned into everlasting life into the arms of our Heavenly Father. He was 85 years old. He was born in Birmingham, AL on December 30, 1939, the son of Marie Goodwin Bennett and Noble Augustus Bennett. Later, in his formative years, he and his mother, grandparents, and uncle relocated to Miami, FL. He attended Ada Merritt Junior High and Miami High School, where he was President of the Student Body. After high school graduation Mr. Bennett made the decision to enroll at Mississippi College and earned a B.A., History & Political Science, 1961; M.A., History, 1962. Afterwards he was accepted to the University of Mississippi School of Law where he earned a J.D., 1965 (Phi Alpha Delta; Omicron Delta Kappa) Mr. Bennett dedicated his professional life, encompassing 50 years of practicing law in the State of Mississippi, embracing the full admiration and respect of the legal profession. He upheld and exemplified the highest of legal standards while representing individuals from all walks of life with the utmost dignity, respect, fairness, and compassion. He had a strong sense of conviction when it came to service, especially when it involved the elderly, disabled and those Mississippians living in poverty with little or no means to secure and pay for legal care.

He was an Assistant Dean at the Mississippi College School of Law, past President of the Mississippi Bar Association and one of the founding shareholders of Bennett, Lotterhos, Sulser, & Wilson. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserves 165th JAG Detachment in Jackson. Mr. Bennett served actively in numerous areas at Calvary Baptist Church of Jackson, to include a deacon and Sunday School Teacher and at the First Baptist Church in Clinton. Mr. Bennett enjoyed long distance running and was a long-time member of the Mississippi Track Club. He completed 50 marathons throughout the US including London.

In Mr. Bennett's post-retirement years, he worked tirelessly with his wife at the Wolf Pond Sanctuary to help rescue, save, and rehabilitate countless numbers of dogs. He loved God's creatures, especially his beloved Molly, a terrier mix.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Geraldine (Jerri) McIntosh Bennett of Magee, MS, and his children Ashley Ann Frowick (Kirk) of Santa Rosa, CA, John Stanton Bennett (Ginger) of West Monroe, LA, Richard Tyler Bennett (Stacey) of Selma, AL and Jeffrey Thomas Bennett of Selma, AL. He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Noble Bennett and his beloved Grandparents Francis and Martha Goodwin and his uncle, Heyward Goodwin.

Visitation will be held at Wade Funeral Home located at 401 Main Street in Collins, MS, on Friday, March 28 from 12:00 until 1:30 P.M. Afterwards, the graveside service will be conducted at the New Goodwater Baptist Church Cemetery, 1313 Goodwater Rd NW, Magee, MS with Reverend Linda A. Smith of Calvary Baptist Church in Jackson, MS.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Alzheimer's Association Mississippi Chapter, 1900 Dunbarton Dr., Jackson, MS 39216.