Bennie Dodson Fletcher

1938 - 2025

Bennie Dodson Fletcher, 86, of Jackson, passed away on February 17, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who was known for his dependability, loyalty and kindness.

Bennie was born in Jenkinsburg and graduated from Jackson High School in 1956. He then moved on to Georgia Tech. He began working at Southern States in Hampton in 1960. He traveled across the country for many years as part of his electrical engineering work, visiting 49 of the 50 states. He retired from Southern States in 2018.

Bennie traveled to countless Georgia Tech football games. As his sons were growing up, the family traveled to many out-of-town games with friends. Later in life, he purchased a motor home for tailgating at Tech games with his sons, grandsons and friends. He was always the driver, and while he enjoyed the games, his primary concern was making sure that everyone else on the trip had as good of a time as possible. Because his granddaughter is a Georgia fan, he was always a good sport.

Bennie was devoted to Butts County. He coached baseball at the Butts County Recreation Department for 27 years, ultimately having a baseball field named after him and being named to the Recreation Department Hall of Fame. He was a lifelong member of England Chapel Methodist Church, serving as church treasurer for many years. As his sons grew up, Bennie's home was where the boys' friends gathered for basketball games, whiffle ball games, and socializing. If anyone ever needed a ride home, Bennie was glad to drive them to make sure they got home safely.

Bennie's sport was baseball. His knowledge of the game inspired his son David to become a high school baseball coach. He was a diehard Atlanta Braves fan.

Bennie married Marilyn Townley in 1962. As her health declined in recent years, he considered it his life's mission to take care of her.

Despite encountering tragic loss at several points in his life, he never complained and simply continued doing what he felt his duty was: serving those he loved.

Bennie is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Lucille Fletcher; his sister, Margaret Knight; his brother, Marlin; his son, David; and his daughter, Donna Jo. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn; his son, Don (Julie); his daughter-in-law, Joni (Tim); grandchildren Tristan (Briana), Ethan (Peyton), Griffin (Lexi), Brett, Haley, Miranda and Blaine (JeAnna); great-grandchildren Ivy, Charlie, Cal, Millie, Briella and Maddox; sister-in-law Marion Townley; brother-in-law, Lanier Knight; and many nieces and nephews.

Services for Bennie will be on Saturday, February 22nd at 12:00 at Haisten Funeral Home, with a graveside service to follow. The family will receive visitors beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Haisten Funeral Home of Jackson is serving the Fletcher Family.