1938
2017
BENNETT, Ralph, 78 of Durant, FL passed away Thursday, April 20, 2017. He was born June 9, 1938 in Cookeville, TN and moved to Florida when he was a young child. He spent his childhood in and around Plant City where he met his wife of 56 years, Eva and they built a loving home and family together. Ralph worked as a Truck Driver for several years. He owned and operated Bennett Aquatics for 20 years. He retired from USF after 21 years as an Irrigation Specialist. He enjoyed being outdoors, working on his property, fishing and sitting under the shade tree enjoying his family, friends and life.
He was preceded in death by his father, O.H. Bennett; mother, Lucy Burnham; brothers, Jack and Ray Bennett; sister, Louise Evans. Ralph "Bushy" is survived by his loving wife, Eva "Mazy"; three daughters; Pamela Hagerman of Bertha, MN, Dianne Cooper (Tom) of Bushnell, FL and Cathy Pirtle (Bruce) of Durant, FL; four grandchildren; RC Cooper, Krystal Mack (Jerry), Philip Pirtle (Nichole), Brandy Steele; six great-grandchildren; brother Roger Bennett (Hazel) of Plant City, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Philip Pirtle.
April 28, 2017
Cathy, I just read about your Dad's passing and I can't express how sorry I am! I have a lot of fond memories of him growing up and being at your house. We're sending our love to you and your Mom. Hugs! Pete and Shelly Smith
April 25, 2017
Quinton Underwood
I knew the whole family, I did not spend much time with Ralph or Roger as I did with Ray. Ray and I spent a lot of time together. I really was shocked to see this in the paper, but then we are never prepared for this. You have a lot of nice photos, each one is a memory. Enjoy each memory, live life to the fullest, I am sure Ralph would want us to do this. My prayers and Heart felt sympathy is for your strength comfort at this time. May God Bles you and lift you up. Quinton Underwood
April 24, 2017
The Arroyo Family
Our deepest condolences & hearts go out to the family of Ralph Bennett at this time. God Bless from all of the Arroyo family.
April 24, 2017
Doreen & Frank Charon
Our deepest sympathies are with you and the family.
April 24, 2017
Family
Kahrl Ralph Brown
I gonna miss you Uncle Ralph. It's been awhile since I was down to see you and aunt Eva but I love you both. It's been a great honor to have been named after such a amazing person. Have fun playing with Tiny again.
April 24, 2017
I met you at Pam and Roger's wedding in Valrico at your home which you so graciously opened to celebrate the union.God Bless You and your union with God. Love Nancy
April 24, 2017
Elbert Pirtle
I feel very lucky having knowing you for many years now. As a kid coming over to see my brother and your daughter Cathy you were always kind to me and always greeted me with a warm smile and a friendly hello that was genuine every time I got to see you. I will greatly miss that smile and that southern twang you had in your voice. It will not be the same without you at the get togethers. Rest easy and know you are loved and missed.
April 24, 2017
Patti & Bill Klinck
Our deepest sympathies are with you all.
April 24, 2017
Philip Pirtle
Papa, we all miss you so much. I couldn't have asked for a better grandfather and am so grateful for having grown up next door to you. You showed and taught me so much about life and were a great example of how to live. As a child the highlight of my day was seeing your truck come down the driveway and running outside to hang out with you by the creek or in your shed. I promise to take good care of Memaw for you. I love you and will never forget your laugh and your million dollar smile.
April 24, 2017
Amy Parrett
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief.
From the Times I was able to share with him he was a soft spoken man with a kind heart.
April 24, 2017
Krystal Mack
You are missed so very much. I still cannot believe you are gone. I wish I could hug you and tell you one more time how much I love you. Thank you for all the great memories. Thank you for always being there. Thank you for being the most wonderful Papa a girl could ask for. I love you more than words can say and I will always think of you every time I walk down to that creek. See you later, alligator.
April 24, 2017
Cathy, I was so sad to hear of the passing of your beloved father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. Debbie Doernberg
April 23, 2017
Richard Dutton
The Officers and Board Members wish to extend condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Bennett on his passing. Further, we want to recognize his 21 years of loyal service to the University of South Florida . For ThUSFar , The Association for Retired Staff and Faculty of USF.
Richard E Dutton , for The Board of Directors .
April 23, 2017
doug cooper
April 23, 2017
Bruce Pirtle
I am truly blessed for having known you all these years. You made me feel welcome in the family from the start. I could not have asked for a better father-in-law and friend. There is a huge hole in our hearts with you gone.
We will miss you and never forget the man you were. Thank you for the memories.
Love, Bruce.
April 21, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
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