Obituary of Meredith Bennett SR

Meredith Page Bennett, Sr., age 92 of Huddleston, passed away Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at Virginia Baptist Hospital, Lynchburg. He was born on Wednesday, March 10, 1920 in Bedford County, VA, a son of the late Harry M. Bennett and Flossie Ferguson Bennett. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Ethel Ashwell Bennett, two brothers, Carlton A. Bennett and Elmer C. Bennett and one sister, Myrtle B. Paggans. Meridith was a retiree of the Rubatex Corporation. A proud World War II veteran, Meredith served his country in the United States Army Air Force from 1941 to 1945. He was on the receiving end of the bombing at Guadalcanal, which was one of the decisive military campaigns in the Pacific Theater during World War II. As part of the 69th Squadron of the 242nd Bomb Group, he was the last living of seven Bedford County buddies who enlisted and were stationed together throughout the war. He and his wife attended the 69th Squadron reunions for many years. He was a member of the Huddleston Volunteer Fire Dept. for some years and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Being well known throughout Bedford County, he was often seen at McDonalds in Bedford where he enjoyed visiting with family and friends. A beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Meredith is survived by a son, Meredith P. Bennett Jr. and wife, Shirley; grandson, Sidney Page Bennett and wife, Anna of Alexandria; granddaughters, Cheryl B. Tuck and husband, Brandon; Valerie M. Staton and husband Joshua, all of Huddleston; great-grandchildren, Noah Grey Tuck, Emilia Naomi Bennett, Eva Mae Staton, and Clara Elisabeth Bennett; and a sister, Betty B. Barton. The family requests those wishing to make memorials to consider the Huddleston Lifesaving Crew, P.O. Box 77, Huddleston, VA 24104 or the Huddleston Vol. Fire Dept., 5377 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, Huddleston, VA 24104. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 8, 2012 at 2:00 pm at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Rev. Francis Martin and Rev. Jackie Carver officiating. Interment, with military honors will follow in Virginia Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday June 7 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston