Rodney Irvin "Rod" Bennett

Rodney "Rod" Irvin Bennett, age 78, of Wilmington, passed away January 2, 2026, at his home. He was born May 12, 1947, at the former Hale Hospital in Wilmington, the son of the late James Farr and Vera Faye (Irvin) Bennett. Rod was a graduate of Wilmington High School and had served his Country as an aircraft mechanic in the United States Air Force Reserve. He had spent many years farming and trucking before beginning a professional career as a real estate appraiser, working for his brother Jeff, under the Bennett Realty and Bennett Appraisal Service umbrella. Rod loved to be outside and enjoyed time boating, camping, and walking on the beach. He loved spending time with his family and cherished time spent with his good friends JD Bryant and Ken Hawk, who both preceded him in death. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Bonnie Sue (Dunlap) Bennett; his children, Amanda (Connor) Wilson, Nicki (Sean) Clayton and Scott (Kathy) Bennett; his grandchildren, Caroline Wilson, Jackson Wilson and Sydney Bennett; siblings, Jeff (Marsha) Bennett and family, and Bill (Antonio) Bennett and family; sisters-in-law, Debbie (Leigh) Thompson and family, and Jenny Dunlap and family; and his cousins, Pat (Bennett) Chambers, Gary Thatcher, and Bobbie Thatcher. In addition to his parents, Rod is preceded in death by his in-laws, Joan and Norbert Fawley; his brother-in-law, Chuck Dunlap; his uncle, Robert Bennett; and his cousin, Ned Bennett. All services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is assisting the family. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.arehart-brown.com or see our Facebook page, Brown Funeral Home.