G. Norman Bennett

G. Norman Bennett, 87 of Hahira, GA. Passed away on April 20,2024 following a period of declining health. He was born May 8,1936 in Adel, GA. to the late George Wiley and Eleanor Bethene Castleberry Bennett.

Norman loved Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, his family, his community, and his country. He was never the type to sit back and complain. He loved to get involved and help solve problems. One of his favorite Bible verses was: Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. He believed you should love the Lord your God with all you heart, soul, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.

Following graduation from Valdosta High School, Norman enlisted in the United States Marines. He was very proud to serve his country and had many fond memories of the time he spent actively serving in Aviation Ordnance and of the influence of his drill sergeants.

Once home from active duty, he pursued education at Valdosta State College where he received a BS in Business and then an MBA from Florida Atlantic University.

Norman worked for over 40 years in the paper industry at the Clyattville Paper Mill (Owens-Illinois) beginning as an hourly employee and retiring Senior Human Resources Director where he had responsibilities from labor negotiations, contract administration, community relations, and other HR functions. He held other positions in Safety, Industrial Relations, and Manufacturing Control. He retired from Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) in 2005.

Norman loved his country and his community. He served on the Lowndes County Commission for 20 years (1-1-77 to 1-1-97.) During this time, he served as Vice Chairman for 16 years and the last 4 years as Chairman, building Lowndes County to one of the premiere Counties in Georgia.

Norman served on several charitable boards such as United Way, Heart Fund, March of Dimes, and others over the years. He served on the VSU Foundation Board for 2 terms in the early 1980s. Governor Sonny Perdue appointed Norman in 2006 to the State Personnel Board where he served 5 years until 2011.

He served on the Valdosta- Lowndes County Industrial Authority from 2010-2014. At one time he was a registered Mediator with the state of Georgia for civil cases. Norman felt a calling to serve his community and ran for Georgia House of Representatives as well as Georgia State Senate. He loved politics and felt that it was his privilege as well as obligation to give back to his community and to his country.

Norman worked with Wiregrass and Moultrie Technical Colleges in South Georgia for 2 1/2 years as Project Manager promoting the Work Ready Certification Initiative that was established by Governor Perdue in 2006 to develop and maintain a premier workforce in Georgia. The region covered Berrien, Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift and Worth counties.

Norman also served several terms as a Board Member at Ocean Village Club in St. Augustine, Florida.

Norman loved to serve and was on several committees at Crossroads Baptist Church over the years. He was very proud to be a part of the merging of Azalea City Baptist Church and Lee Street Baptist Church into Crossroads Baptist Church. He loved seeing and being a part of the growth of his church.

Norman loved his big family and loved hosting “Thanksgiving” each year at his home for his family, extended family and any friends they brought with them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Wiley and Eleanor Bethene Castleberry Bennett. His sisters, Mary Helen Bennett Davis (Leslie R.) and Carolyn Bennett Manges (Huey.) His brothers-in-law, Wade Jackson, John Leonetti, and Burton McDaniel. His sister-in-law, Michelle Moran. His nephews, Taylor Williams, Eric Wells, and nieces, Margaret Ann White and Linda McDonald Irby.

He is survived by his wife, Robin Moran Bennett. His sisters, Marjorie McDonald (Ernest), Louise Leonetti, and LaVerne Jackson. His sisters-in-law, Paula Lynn Moran Williams (Ronnie), Pamela Moran Adams, and Judy Moran McDaniel. His brothers-in-law: Keith Moran (Betsy) and James Moran. His sons, Scott Bennett (Becky), Kyle Leisey (Cindy), Trent Leisey (Amber.) His daughters, Tracy Bennett Hall (JR Lorens), Erin Leisey Moore (Adam), and Holly Bennett Mitchell (Matt.) His grandchildren: Tanner, Lorelei and Jake Bennett, Kenny Hall and Justin Lorens, Laine Jackson O'Neal (Cale), Kale, Kyleigh, and Kaden Leisey, Charles and Brooks Moore, Hunter Griffin and Jace Leisey, Reid and Beau Mitchell. His great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Connor O'Neal. His former wife Martha Bragg Wynn. And loads of nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 1 P.M. on Monday, April 22,2024 at Crossroads Baptist Church. Reverend Garrett Grubbs will be officiating, and burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4-6 P.M. Sunday at Carson McLane Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the family of Mr. Bennett.