Kenneth Lee Bennett

Faith. Family. Fortitude. These three words defined the life of Kenneth Lee Bennett, who passed peacefully on July 23, 2025, at the age of 86. His was a life marked by steadfast love, quiet strength, and a deep commitment to the people and principles that mattered most.
Born to Reverend Lloyd and Hurble Bennett on May 18, 1939, Kenneth grew up in a family rooted in faith and hard work. Though he left school after the 5th grade to help support his family, he never stopped learning or growing. With perseverance and quiet determination, he later earned his GED-an incredible achievement that reflected his natural ability and his deep desire to provide a better life for his children.
He worked for many years at the paper mill in Canton, North Carolina, faithfully serving through countless shifts, mergers, and name changes. He began in the maintenance department, mopping floors, and ended his long career as Chief of Security. His dedication, humility, and work ethic left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
Kenneth also passed along a deep love for the mountains of Western North Carolina and the quiet beauty of trout fishing. Whether it was a winding stream or a mountain view, he found peace and joy in God's creation-and he invited others into that love with him.
But more than any job title or accomplishment, Kenneth was defined by his unwavering love for his family. For 61 years, he was the devoted husband of Wilma Jean Bennett, loving her with quiet strength and constancy. Together they raised five children-Kevin, Tim, Sam, Lisa, and Randy-instilling in them the same values of faith, resilience, and hard work that shaped his own life. He was "Papaw" to Jessica, Hunter, Casey, Carson, Chelsey, Carli, Caelyn, Drew, Katie, Heather, Kody, Kassie, Kamryn, Kolton, and Daniel, and great-grandfather to Maverick, Willow, Conway, Jude, Nora, Maisy, Griffin, Leo, Ryker, Ezra, Asher, Alyssa, Ayden, Ava, Hadley, Mason and Aria. His legacy will echo through generations.
He was the brother of Dorsey May, Shirley, Winfred, H.A., Ronnie, Ross, Brenda, and Diana, and was preceded in death by his sister Dorsey May, his parents Lloyd and Hurble, his sister Shirley, his brother Winfred, his wife Wilma Jean, his beloved son Kevin and great-grandson Griffin.
Kenneth embodied the words of 2 Timothy 4:7:
His life was not one of ease, but of perseverance and trust. Through every hardship, his faith in Christ never wavered, and his quiet strength gave others courage. Like the tree described in Jeremiah 7: 7-8,
Even in difficulty, he stood firm. He gave generously, worked faithfully, and loved deeply.
His legacy is not only in names remembered, but in lives touched-by his example, his sacrifice, and his steady walk with God.
A celebration of Kenneth's life will be held at 4:00 pm on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Center Pigeon Baptist Church. Bishop Michael Nations will be officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment will follow the service at Center Pigeon Baptist Church Cemetery.
Floral tributes are appreciated, or memorials may be made in memory of Kenneth Bennett to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for the Bennett family.