Mr. Edgar Reed Bennett, Jr.

1962 - 2026

A memorial service for Mr. Edgar Bennett will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 16, 2026 at Jones and Son Chapel in Hattiesburg.

Edgar Reed Bennett Jr., better known to many as Eddie or the Goat Man, passed away on January 7, 2026, at the age of 63. He was born on February 19, 1962, and was a lifelong resident of the Midway community, where he made friends everywhere he went.

Eddie was larger than life. He was funny, stubborn, loud, mischievous, and impossible to ignore. He loved being outdoors, working with animals, fixing things, and, most of all, annoying everyone in a way that somehow always made them laugh later. If you met Eddie, you had a story about Eddie and if you didn’t yet, you would soon.

Eddie shared his life with his significant other, Tammy Chambliss, and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and countless memories. He is also survived by his daughter (according to her), Heather Chambliss, who loved him dearly and will always carry his humor and spirit with her.

He was a proud grandfather to Ruby, Casey, Eli, and Breanna, and a great-grandfather to Caiden, Amelia, Josie, Rylynn, and Arabella. He loved his family fiercely and in his own unmistakable way.

Eddie was preceded in death by his mother, Rachel Varie Yawn, and father, Edgar Reed Bennett, Sr.

He is survived by his brother, Tommy; and his sisters, Angie, Susie, and Teresa; along with nieces, Heather, Vanessa, Karen, Jenna, and Emily; and nephews Sam, Ethan, James, and Keith; and numerous great nieces and nephews who will forever remember his stories, his teasing, and the way he could light up any room.

One of Eddie’s greatest loves was his dog, Belle, who was rarely far from his side and was as much a part of him as his braces and his four-wheeler. Anyone who knew Eddie knew how special Belle was to him.

Eddie leaves behind a trail of stories, laughter, and unforgettable memories. While we will miss him deeply, we are grateful for every laugh, every lesson, and every unforgettable moment he gave us.