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.
Brooksie Sturdivant sent French Garden for Reverend Vernon C. Bennett - November 04, 2023
Mom (Cat) and Dad,
You're in our thoughts and prayers!
Love, Norlonn and Brooksie Sturdivant
My condolences to the Bennett family. I fondly remember Rev. Bennett being in our community and visiting Free Rock Church. I am sending prayers for comfort to the family. Dr. Teresa A. Smith, Raleigh, NC
To the Bennett family, I offer my sincere sympathy as you grieve the passing of Rev. Bennett. I was a dear NCCU College friend of his daughter Margaret Jean Bennett ,who spoke about her father to me many times while we were friends at college and after. He had to be a special person to raise a wonderful daughter like Margaret. Praise God for the time we all are given here on earth and for believers in the Savior Jesus Christ, an eternal home in Heaven where Rev Bennett can now see his beloved daughters and other family members again. May God give you comfort and peace thru this difficult period of mourning. My thoughts prayers are with you🙏🏾
Brenda Pippens Asbury NCCU Class of 1973
Catherine, Your Bowman High School Class of 1968 extend our condolences and prayers to you, Caleb, and Bennett family on the passing of your father, Rev. Vernon C. Bennett. Please know we are here for you now and in days to come.
Josephine Leak Harris, Chair of Bowman High School Reunion Committee and on behalf of your Classmates of Bowman High School Class of 1968
Catherine, I was sorry to hear of the passing of your father. You and the entire family have our condolences and prayers. Charles and Carol
To Barbara, Catherine and the entire Bennett family We are thinking of you all today. May God continue to keep you all in His loving care.Praying for the entire family. Barbara and I are classmate. Rosa Wall-Little & Family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and the entire Bennett family during this very difficult time. Clarence & Sarah McNeill, Raleigh, NC
Thinking of You with Prayers and Sympathy! May God Bless You with Wonderful Memories of a Long and Well Lived Life!
Thinking of the family with Prayers and Sympathy! May God Bless You with wonderful memories of a Long and Well Lived Life!
I am so sorry to hear about Rev Vernon passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Hi Barbara Coleman and Family, Family provides the protection we need spiritually, emotionally and physically. You have been blessed to live protected by family for 72 years and now the pangs of Adamic sin have caused death and grief to you. Please look to your Heavenly Father to be there for you, Isaiah 41:10 is a promise that He will hold on to you with his right hand of righteousness. Gloria Shaw Jackson / Georgia
Sending A Heartfelt Condolences To The Entire Bennett Family He Has Touched So Many Lives In The Very Best Way We Are Very Grateful We Got A Chance To Hear Him Talk About Jesus James And Sheila Felton
Barbara and Family, our deepest sympathy for you and your family. A father is a wonderful being. May you find comfort in the memories of his love. Michael and Anita White
Sending our love and condolences to Rev. Bennett's family and friends. Rev. Bennett and his wife were dear friends of my late grandmother, Thomasina B. Liles. I so enjoyed listening in on their conversations and witnessing their special bond. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Christie Liles and Family
My condolences to the entire family of Reverend Vernon C. Bennett. His daughter Margaret(deceased) was a classmate of mine at Bowman Senior High Class of 1969. I am very sorry for your loss. -Delane Rorie
Keeping you and your family in prayer So Sorry for your loss. Mae Richardson &Family
I pray God's continuous blessings over you and your family during this difficult time. Reverend Bennett was a model for pastors everywhere. He loved God and put him first in his life and he taught the word of God. Well done my good and faithful servant. Take your rest.
Barbara and Family Peace and Blessings to you and the Bennett family.48
CATHERINE & CALEB THINKING OF YOU ALL, LOVE AND PRAYERS, Mark & Janet
Condolences to Caleb & Catherine and the entire family on the passing of your beloved father Bennett."To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." God Bless & Keep You. Min.Cherry Charlotte. NC
We realize that there is nothing we can say that will ease the pain you are experiencing at this moment. But just know that the May family is sending love and prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time. We love you all. Samuel and Angela May ( the family of Aunt Daisy May)
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My sincerest condolences for you at this time. You have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. The Bible teaches:"The last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing." 1 Corinthians 15:26 Jack, Delores and Micah Threatt
Dear Mary Ratliff and family, May the love of Jesus carry you during this time of bereavement. My heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to you. Sincerely, Sharon Knotts and family
Rev. Bennett was the Pastor of my youth and young adult years, he was and always will be my "forever" Pastor. He and the members of Free Rock Church helped me develop a strong spiritual foundation. He introduced me to the gospel, and to sound doctrine built upon one Lord, one faith and one baptism...this doctrine has stood the test of time. Rev. Bennett was an example of what it meant to be "SOLD OUT" for the gospel of Jesus Christ. My heart is broken because his life has meant so much to me and my family. We love the Bennett family, they are in essence "our family" and we feel this loss very deeply. However I rejoice in knowing that he has moved from labor to reward. Thank you Rev. Bennett for all you have taught me. My relationship with Christ is a direct result of what I learned with you as my Pastor. Well done sir!
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.