Bert Lester Bennett Jr.

1921 - 2018

Bert Lester Bennett, Jr.

Pfafftown

Bert Lester Bennett Jr., 97, died on July 16, 2018 peacefully at his home in Pfafftown, NC. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Thursday July 19, 2018 with a reception to follow in the Colhoun Room. Bert Bennett was a native of Winston-Salem, NC, and the son of Bert Lester Bennett Sr. and Corinna Johnston Bennett. Affectionately known to them as "Boy," he grew up alongside his two sisters, Louise Bahnson and Johnny Dunn. Bert was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Lillian Joyner Bennett (Joy) and daughter, Joy Bennett. He is survived by his children: Bert (Beth), Graham (Janice), John (Jeanne), Louise, Terry (Steve), Ann and Jim (Marianne), 17 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Bert graduated from Woodberry Forest and the University of North Carolina at Chapel-Hill where he was President of the Student Body. As a junior at UNC Chapel-Hill, along with his two roommates, Bert enlisted in the Navy through a program that would allow them to graduate from UNC before entering WWII. After graduation, Bert attended the Navy's Midshipman School at Northwestern University. He rose to the rank of Captain and was aboard the LST 335 bringing troops to Omaha Beach on D-Day.

Bert joined the family business, Quality Oil Company, in 1947. Under Bert's leadership, Quality Oil Company has the distinction of being one of the largest branded oil jobbers in the United States. Today the company owns and operates hotels, convenience stores, a transport division, and real estate developments.

After the war, Bert was introduced to the love of his life, Joy Flanagan of Greenville NC, and they married on April 29, 1949. Throughout his full life, Bert was devoted to his wife and eight children and shared with them his love for all animals, fly fishing, golf, tennis, community service, and business. Bert and Joy cherished their farm in Pfafftown and their cabin in Linville, where he spent countless hours in the streams fly fishing. When asked what his greatest investment was, he said without a doubt, every single one of his children.

In addition to his success in business, Bert had a commitment to community. He served on the Wake Forest Board of Trustees, First Union Corporation Board of Directors, The United Way of Winston-Salem and The Forsyth Memorial Hospital Board of Directors. However, Bert's dedication to serving his state is most recognized by his contributions in politics. He was Chairman of the State Democratic Party in 1962 and Campaign Manager for Terry Sanford in 1960. Although Bert supported many candidates, he was most passionate and active in the campaigns of Terry Sanford, Rich Preyer and Jim Hunt. His love for his state was evident as he devoted many hours on the campaign trail and in meetings serving the needs of the people of North Carolina.

Bert will always be remembered as an influential political, business and community leader, but he was much more. He was "Boy," husband to Slim, Dad, Grandpa, and Grandpa-Great. He lived with purpose, generosity, character; and he will leave a legacy of integrity that will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Wake Forest University, Forsyth Technical Community College or St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com