Carl Max Bennett

Carl Max Bennett of Corsicana, affectionately known as "Pops" to his grands and great grands, passed peacefully from this life to the next, on November 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Carl Max was born on October 19, 1943, in Hillsboro, Texas, to Dennis Hardin Bennett and Mildred Pauline Bennett. From an early age, Carl Max developed a love for all things sports Especially football. In 1961, he was selected to the Super Cen-Tex Squad for his outstanding performance, leadership, and sportsmanship on and off the field. That same year, he helped lead his team to their first undefeated season since 1936 and was named to the All-State Team by the Texas Sports Writers Association.
After graduating from high school in 1962, Max attended the University of Texas Pharmacy School. In 1964 he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Judy Carolyn Cypert, before graduating with honors in August 1966.
Carl Max promptly began his pharmacy career in 1966 in the small town of Itasca, Texas, where he served his community with dedication and care. In 1972, he and Carolyn settled in Corsicana, where he worked for Eckerd Pharmacy for 30 years. His retirement from Eckerd's was short-lived though, as his impeccable work ethic drew him back in. He returned to the workforce by accepting yet another pharmacy position with Brookshire's in his hometown of Hillsboro. He eventually retired from Brookshire's Pharmacy in 2013, after more than 45 years in the profession.
During his retirement, Max mostly enjoyed spending time outdoors. He was skilled at working with his hands, and there wasn't anything he couldn't repair or figure out a way to breathe a little life back into it. His most favored pastime was indulging his lifelong love of motor sports, most particularly cars and motorcycles. A man of few words, Carl Max was the epitome of a gentleman. He had the sweetest grin. His work ethic was unmatched. He was generous and kind.
Carl Max and Carolyn were blessed with three children: Carol Lynn Gatlin (Tony), Brian Todd Bennett, and Jeffrey Kyle Bennett (DeAnna).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Pauline Bennett; his brother, Dean Paul Bennett; Dean Paul's wife, Brenda; and brothers in law, Charles and Bob Cypert. Carl Max is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Carolyn Bennett; children, Lynn Gatlin and husband Tony, Brian Bennett, and Jeff Bennett and wife DeAnna; grandchildren, Blair Harrison and husband Tyler, and Bryant Bennett and wife Celia-Blake; and great-grandchildren Landon, Eden, and Olivia Harrison, and Chambers Bennett. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 10am-11am in the Chapel at Griffin - Roughton Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will take place following visitation at 11:00am with Anthony Warens officiating. A graveside service will be at 2:00pm at Hillcrest Garden of Memory in Hillsboro.
Pallbearers will be Brian Bennett, Jeff Bennett, Tony Gatlin, Bryant Bennett, Tyler Harrison, and Landon Harrison.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to The Village at Heritage Oaks, New Century Hospice, Navarro Regional Hospital, Griffin Roughton Funeral Home, and Westhill Church of Christ, where he was a member for 53 years, for their compassionate care, support, and kindness during Max's illness and in his final days. Your dedication will always be remembered.