Bennett Fendley Yeilding

Memory of Bennett Fendley Yeilding
January 27, 1940 - April 10, 2025
Bennett Fendley Yeilding 85, of Okeechobee, Florida, went home to be with Jesus on April 10, 2025. He passed peacefully in his sleep at the Hamrick Home, surrounded by the quiet care of loving hands.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on January 27, 1940, Bennett was the son of the late William Leon Yeilding and Clara Nelle Townsend Yeilding. He was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Shepard Leon Yeilding; his first wife and the mother of his children, Betty Ann Faglie Yeilding; and his niece, Jennifer Yeilding Roach.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Ruth Yeilding; his daughter, Alicia (Eddie) Walker; son, Scott (Christina) Yeilding; his stepchildren, Ryan (Heather) Kelly, Patrick (Carrie Ann) Kelly and Anna (Brent) Wilson. He was a proud and loving "Granddaddy" to five grandchildren, Cody (Megan) Walker, Chelsea (Kevin) Townsend, Maggie Yeilding, Reid Yeilding and Ella Yeilding. He was a cherished "Papa" to Brick Kelly, Ayla Kelly and Wake Wilson; his legacy lives on through his great-grandchildren, Aria Townsend, Penelope Walker, Evelynn Walker and "Baby" Walker to be born on May 23, 2025. He was a loved and respected uncle to Michael (Danette) Yeilding, Bret Yeilding (Lauren Sullivan), Greg (Joey) Yeilding, Denise Yeilding and a host of great nieces and great nephews. Bennett also embraced five other step-grandchildren; eleven other step-great-grandchildren; and four other step-great-great-grandchildren with open arms and a big heart.
A 1958 graduate of Okeechobee High School, Bennett was a gifted musician who played both trumpet and baritone in the school band, serving as Drum Major his senior year. Music continued to be a central part of his life as he sang in the choir at the First Methodist Church during his high school and college years.
In 1963, Bennett earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Florida. He remained a loyal and passionate Gator fan all his life - cheering on his team through every season.
Bennett's career took him from Tampa, Florida, to Havre de Grace, Maryland, and ultimately to Smiths, Alabama. There, he worked for many years at Fort Benning, Georgia, as a civilian employee, leading a department responsible for producing training films for the United States Army. After retiring in 1992, he and Betty Ann returned to their hometown of Okeechobee.
Bennett had many passions. He loved playing cards - weekends and holidays were often spent gathered around a table enjoying games and much laughter. He also had a love for music, horses, fishing, working in his yard, and attending estate auctions. His green thumb was legendary - he could make anything grow, and many admired his gift.
On December 21, 1998, Bennett married Ruth Andela Kelly, Ruth, a devoted music teacher and pianist, played the organ and piano at the First Methodist Church. Together, they found joy in singing and serving in the church choir, with Ruth as choir director and Bennett as a choir member and as the narrator for several cantatas-moments they both held dear.
Bennett was admitted to the Hamrick Home, a division of Hospice of Okeechobee, on March 25, 2025. He spent his final seventeen days there, cared for with compassion and dignity. He often expressed his excitement about finally meeting Jesus face to face and being reunited with loved ones who had gone before him.
Bennett loved people and believed you could never have too many friends. To all who loved him and were part of his life - thank you. He cherished every relationship and left a legacy of faith, warmth and kindness.
On Friday, April 18, 2025, the family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until the Celebration of Life service at 4 p.m. for Bennett at the First Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hospice of Okeechobee. The caregivers at Hamrick Home were true angels in Bennett's final days. To all the staff - thank you for the love and care you gave him. He truly loved you all!
Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com.
All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.