George James Bennett

Reverend George J. Bennett, 105, went to be with his Lord on March 4, 2016. He was born in England in 1910, lived in Ontario, Canada, then moved to Chicago where he attended Moody Bible Institute. There he met Elizabeth, the love of his life. They were married 65 years. He graduated from Bradley University in Illinois, and Northern Baptist Seminary where he acquired a Bachelor of Divinity degree. He became a U.S. citizen in 1941 and was ordained in 1945. He served as Pastor to churches in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. In 1952, he served with the American Baptist Home Mission Society and lectured at numerous churches throughout the U.S. He also traveled to five Central African nations for the American Leprosy missions where he helped start clinics and hospitals for treatment of leprosy. In 1966, George was called to First Baptist Church of Indianapolis where he served in pastoral care and counseling, and visitation of the sick and shut-ins. At the age of 61, Reverend Bennett received his Master of Arts degree from Butler University. He and Elizabeth retired to Bradenton, FL in 1973, and lived on Longboat Key for 25 years. He enjoyed working with metals, woodcarving and fishing. They moved to Westminster Manor in Bradenton in 1999. George was preceded in death by his sister Doris in 2005 and his wife Elizabeth in 2001. He is survived by his son James Bennett (Joyce); his nephew Donald Smith (Marianne); 4 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. A service will be held at Westminster Manor, 1700 21st Ave. W. at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 19th. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ministers & Missionaries Benefit Board, 475 Riverside Dr. Ste. 1700, New York, N.Y. 10115.