Mr. Charles Edward Bennett, affectionately known as DeBoe, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at his home in Thomasville, NC. He was 66 years old. Mr. Bennett was born on October 31, 1959, in Fair Bluff, Columbus County, NC, to Donella Graves Bennett and the late James B. Bennett.

Charles attended Finklea Community Center School in Loris, South Carolina. He was raised on a farm, and later, as a young man, he moved to New York City to experience the excitement of the “Big Apple.” Eventually, he settled in Thomasville, North Carolina.

In 2014, Charles reunited with his high school sweetheart, Carol Coward, a reunion that brought joy and companionship to his life, and he remained with her until his death.

In addition to his father, James B. Bennett, he was preceded in death by seven brothers: J.C. Grace, James Charles Bennett, Sylvester Bennett, Eugene Lester Bennett, Roger Earl Bennett, Marvin Earl Bennett, and an unborn brother. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Vera Mae Bennett Hemingway and an unborn sister.

Charles is survived by his mother, Donella Graves Bennett, of Fair Bluff, NC; one brother, Ronald Grace (Annie Perry) of Brooklyn, NY; one sister, Tammie Bennett Rutledge of Chadbourn, NC; and a very special woman in his life, Carol Coward of Thomasville, NC. He is also remembered by a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and many other family members and friends.

Funeral service will be held Friday, February 27, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends at the chapel from12:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Mr. Bennett may be viewed on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Phillips Funeral Service, Inc. from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.