Bennett
WAYCROSS — Mr. Willam Hamilton “Bill” Bennett, 82, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, November 2, 2025, at Hospice House Satilla after an extended illness He was born October 16, 1943 in Jesup to the late Sidney Clyde Bennett, Jr. and Effie McKinna Bennett. Bennett graduated from Waycross see OBITS, Page 10A High School in 1964, and he obtained his Associate’s Degree in education. He was employed by Lockheed Martin in the 1960s, and he retired from Okefenokee Technical College in 2002 after 34 years of teaching drafting. He was one of the oldest members of First Baptist Church still living.
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As reflected by his sonin- law: “Bill was a great man, a true Christian, a devoted husband and daddy, and a loving grandfather, affectionately known as ‘Gan Gan,’ to our children Morgan, Brittany, Sydney, and Jake Strickland. He lived his life with quiet strength, deep faith, and a heart full of kindness.
An avid outdoorsman and lifetime Ducks Unlimited member, Bill found joy and peace in God’s creation. Whether hunting or fishing or sharing stories with family, his love for the outdoors reflected his simple, steadfast appreciation for life’s blessings. He and Dr. Roger Bates are reunited and probably on a hunt or fishing somewhere.
In his final days, Bill dreamed that we were all together on a family vacation in Montana, and that he was relaxing in a fancy hotel room, a peaceful place surrounded by love. The Hospice House Satilla provided wonderful care and comfort to him in those last days, and we are all deeply grateful for their compassion and that he is no longer suffering.
He and Lisa always ended their conversations with the words, ‘I love you a bushel and a peck.’ That phrase will always hold a special place in our hearts, a reminder of the deep love they shared. He will be deeply missed by all of us who were blessed to know him — especially my wife, Lisa, who was the light of his world.”
In addition to his parents, Bennett was preceded in death by his brother, Sidney Clyde Bennett III (Linda); mother-in-law and fatherin- law, Colleen and Skeets Matich; nephew-in-law, Jason Morris Jordan; and his best friend, Dr. Roger Bates.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Leslie Matich Bennett of Waycross; his daughter, Lisa Strickland (Eric) of Richmond Hill, Ga.; four grandchildren, Morgan, Brittany, Sydney, and Jake Strickland; brotherin- law, Walt Matich (Zeda) of Blackshear; nieces and nephews, MaryAnn Matich Jordan, Elizabeth Matich Yarbrough (Jason), David Bennett (Aimee Herring), Debbie Bennett Green, Kathy Bennett Layden (Stan), and Karen Bennett; cousin, Virginia Holzendorf Greer; and numerous great nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 8 at First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, November 7 at Music Funeral Home. A private burial will take place in Greenlawn Cemetery at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy may be posted on his tribute wall at www.musicfuneralhome.
com.
