Gene Bennett

GENE BENNETT, age 77, of North Little Rock died June 21, 2013. He was born Dec. 16, 1935 in Lonoke, Ark. After graduating from North Little Rock High School in 1954, Gene went to work for his father at Bennett's Body Shop in North Little Rock. After his father's retirement, he and his brother, Burney Bennett, co-owned the business until his brother's retirement. Gene then owned and operated the business until his retirement in 1999. He spent 50 years in the auto body business, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Gene's greatest love was his wife, Eloise, of 54 years and his family. He leaves behind his wife, Eloise; son, Dr. Steven Bennett (Barbara) of North Little Rock; daughter, Terri Valentine (Scott) of Scott; six grandchildren, Brandlyn Frensley (Chris) of North Little Rock, Tiffany Parker (Scott) of Stillwater, Okla., Jennifer Sackett (Sam) of Fort Wayne, Ind., Brittany Jeu (Spencer) of Jonesboro, Ryan Bennett of North Little Rock and Braye Valentine of Scott; six great-grandchildren, Hunter Walker, Aspen and Elli Frensley, Cohen and Anabelle Sackett, and Kinsey Parker; his sister, Judy Rainey (Elmo) of Bella Vista and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Alma Bennett of North Little Rock, sister; Carolyn; brothers, Melvin Lee and Burney Bennett. Gene was a member and deacon of Lynch View Baptist Church in North Little Rock. He loved the Lord and his church family. Visitation will be held at Griffin-Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road in North Little Rock from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25. The funeral services will be held at Lynch View Baptist Church in North Little Rock on Wednesday, June 26 at 10 a.m., burial to follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park in North Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Lynch View Baptist Church, P.O. Box 17836, North Little Rock, Ark. 72117 or the American Heart Association. www.griffinleggettresthills.com