Pastor Vernon Charles Bennett was born December 23, 1927 to June and LuGene Bennett from Lilesville, North Carolina. He was called to glory on October 30, 2023. He was married for seventy-two years to his faithful wife Gladys Cox Bennett of Wadesboro, North Carolina.

The couple resided in Lilesville and raised their family as he worked for over forty years at W. R. Bonsal Company. He taught his children valuable life lessons by the life he lived. He was accomplished as a farmer, big machinery mechanic, fisherman, and as a builder of homes and churches. He was a salesman, a writer, a teacher, and a preacher. In changing and sometimes volatile social climates he steadied our confidence by reminding us that, “No one can make you feel inferior, you have to do that yourself.”

He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior early in life. As a child he attended church with his family at Chisolm Grove Baptist Church in Lilesville, North Carolina. He loved the Word of God and was eager to share his faith with anyone who would listen. As an evangelist he went everywhere teaching others of God’s love and grace---in homes, churches, hospitals, or bar rooms. He was very brave and courageous and would sometimes be asked to leave. A constant theme always ringing out, “God hates sin, but oh how He loves the sinner. One LORD, One FAITH, One Baptism.” He began to serve as pastor after establishing Free Rock Church in Wadesboro, North Carolina. He pastored for 47 years, until unable to do so because of his declining health.

He was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather and pastor. He was a giver and truly loved being surrounded by his family, of whom he was very proud.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and two daughters, Margaret Jean Bennett and Peggy Ann Melton (Alvin).

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Gladys; two siblings, brother June Aaron Bennett of Lilesville, North Carolina and sister, Rossie Robinson of Silver Spring Maryland; two sons, Vernzell Edward Bennett, and Charles Darrell Bennett (Rosha); four daughters, Barbara Coleman (Rick), Cynthia Harrell (Russell), Catherine Sturdivant (Caleb), Mary Frances Ratliff (Arthur); Fifteen grandchildren and a host of great-grands, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends who share his loss and will cherish the love lessons and moments that they shared forever. We would like to thank his loving church family and children in CHRIST whom he loved as well as his own children. He considered them as a special gift from GOD and appreciated all the love shown to him. Special thanks to all his care givers, Windy Ard, Liberty Hospice, and Anson County Council on Aging.

The Services to Honor the Life and Legacy of Reverend Bennett will be on Sunday, November 5, 2023, 12:00 noon, Smith Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will be at Westview Memorial Park, Highway 74-West, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

The Bennett Family will greet family and friends on Sunday, November 5, 2023 from 11:30am-12:00pm at Smith Memorial Chapel.

The public viewing will be on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 2:00-5:00pm.