Stephen "Pat" Bennett

1948 - 2021

Stephen "Pat" Bennett, of Winterville, North Carolina, formerly of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly at home early on the morning of Saturday, August 28, 2021. He was 73.

He was born on April 14, 1948, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, a son of the late Harold Bennett and Helen Marie (Reece) Bennett.

Pat was a 1966 graduate of Blue River Valley High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Ball State University. Pat served admirably in the US Army in Vietnam where he was a member of Unit Big Red 1. Pat was awarded a Purple Heart for his valor and injuries sustained from enemy gunfire. Pat married the love of his life, Terrie Thixton, on February 20, 1971. He worked for Westinghouse for 24 years, transferring to North Carolina in 1984 and retired from NWL Capacitors in Snow Hill.

Pat enjoyed traveling to Indiana, Tennessee, and Florida to visit family, reading autobiographies, ancient history, and philosophy. Pat was privately spiritual and enjoyed nature and walks. He loved cars – Corvettes to Kia's, playing cards, and most of all, time spent with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Terrie (Thixton) Bennett; two daughters, Jeffin (John) Murphy of St. Cloud, FL and Whitney (Jason) McCoy, of Wilmington, NC; five grandchildren, Rylynn, 14, Emmarie, 12, Langlee, 10, Cecelia, 6, and Oliver, 4; four brothers, Mike (Judy) Bennett, Jeff (Rhonda) Bennett, Dan (Carla) Bennett, and Jim (Beth) Bennett all of New Castle; a sister, Julie (Jeff) Brammer of New Castle; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Pat was preceded in death by a brother, Joe Bennett.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 3, 2021, at 1:00 pm at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Shelly Thixton Hanson officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in South Mound Cemetery West Lawn Addition in Legion Square. Visitation will be Friday from 11:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be offered to the American Red Cross at redcross.org. You may send the family a personal condolence at sprolesfamilycares.com.

The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Stephen "Pat" Bennett.