Mr. Folks Junior Bennett, age 90 of Millwood, Ga., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at Baptist Village in Waycross, GA. Born to Lennie Maud Stephens and Folks Elsie Bennett on February 22, 1931, in Axson, GA, he is the oldest of 10 children. He was raised in Millwood and loved living in the country.
Folks is survived by two daughters, Gloria Jean (Eric) Boswell, and Delores Verona (Angelo) Petite. He has 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Folks is also survived by two brothers, Dane Jason (Marlene) Bennett and Virgil Eric (Linda) Bennett, and two sisters Marietta (Huey) Arnold, and LaVerne Wade. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law Pearley Bennett and numerous nieces and nephews.
Folks was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From 1950-1952 Folks served as a missionary in the Western States Mission. He loved teaching the gospel and was firm in his testimony of Jesus Christ. Folks loved his country and served in the United States Army from 1953-1956 and received the Korean Service Medal for service during the Korean War.
Folks was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Frances Crosby Bennett and his son, Folks Jared Bennett. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Earl Eugene Bennett, Jennie Maud Hood, Gwin Michael Bennett, Guylan Stephen Bennett, Theresa Faye Hayes, and brothers-in-law Hyrum Hood and Kenneth Hayes.
Funeral services were held Friday, July 2, 2021, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pearson, GA with Bishop Clee Sirmans officiating. Speakers included Bro. Stevie Sirmans, Bishop Kim Hood and Bro. Tyler Merrell. Special musical selections included, “The Lord is my Light”, “Come, Ye Children of the Lord” and “Families are Forever” rendered by the congregation with Sis. Tonya Cecil at the piano. Soft music for the Prelude and Postlude was provided by Tonya Cecil, pianist. The interment followed in Little Utah Cemetery in Axson, GA with dedication of the grave given by Bro. Eric Boswell.
Serving as active pallbearers were: Eric Bennett, Phillip Fulford, Scott Fulford, Tyler Merrell, Angelo Petite and Bryce Petite.
The family expresses appreciation for the compassionate care Folks received from Baptist Village, Hospice Satilla, and Georgia Living Senior Care.
Relihan Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.