Joseph Bennett

Joseph D. Bennett grew up south of Vaiden, Mississippi on a 160-acre farm.  His father G. G. Bennett was superintendent of schools in Carrol County and a teacher and a state representative.  Joe had 2 brothers and 2 sisters.
He received his degree in civil engineering from Mississippi State (1949) and went to work at the Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg before being called into military service.
After 20 years of active duty, Lt. Colonel Bennett retired in October, 1969 from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile district.  His wife, Billie Jean, graduated from Ole Miss and was teaching in Natchez when a friend introduced them.  They married in 1950 and lived out their story together until she passed on in February, 2010.
He served overseas in Korea, England, Japan, Philippines, and Vietnam.  He was an ROTC instructor at Texas A&M University.  He received the Army's Legion of Merit for directing activities to develop deep water ports to support the expanded military and logistics program.
During the 1960's he was contracting officer for the Stennis Space Center Test Site and was present for the engine testing at Cape Canaveral prior to the first space shuttle.  His last assignment was Deputy Director  of the Mobile District.  During this time he was the contracting officer for the clean up following Hurricane Camille.
While serving his country he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, 3 Overseas Bars, Meritorious Unit Citation (2nd award), Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 10-year Device, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
He then accepted a position with the Jackson County Port Authority until in 1971 he entered civil service with the South Atlantic Division of the Corps of Engineers as the Associate Base Civil Engineer at Keesler Air Force Base.  Mr. Bennett guided so many projects that he acquired the nickname of "Mr. Keesler"!  While at Keesler he was appointed as advisory member to the Gulf Regional Planning Commission. He was appointed by the Harrison County Board of Supervisors for a term as chairman.
He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Gulfport Elks Lodge, the Keesler Club, AARP, VFW, Gulf Coast chapter of the Society of American Military Engineers, and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
And now some of the rest of the story of this southern officer and a gentleman.  He returned to the Gulf Coast to make sure his wife's father, R. J. Sepich, was cared for all his days.  He also moved his mother, Hilda Canon Bennett, to the coast to care for her.  He had a brilliant mind and a photographic memory.
Mr. Bennett was a master chef and grilling genius.  He took time to make sure both his sons were well equipped for the challenges of life.  His technique and excellence in the preparation of beef jerky earned him another nickname, "Jerky Joe", and was featured in Mississippi Magazine and a few local articles in the Sun-Herald over the years.   Joe had a quirky sense of humor - often risqué! All his life, he had quick-witted comebacks and could talk his way into and out of most anything.  His endearing laughter and mischievous smile made him a most likeable father, grandfather and local character.  He was an avid hunter and B.A.S.S. fisherman as well.  He "kinda" had a wonderful life you might say!
If you knew him, you will not forget him.  So we will gather on Tuesday, October 31st at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME at 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi to remember this one-of-a kind character.  Visitation will be from 9:00am-11:00am.  The memorial service will be at 11:00am.  Then a closing interment service at the pavilion at 12:30pm at Biloxi National Cemetery.  His two sons, George and Joey, will be sharing at the memorial service together.
Joe Bennett is preceded in death by his parents George G. and Hilda Canon Bennett, his brothers and sisters, his wife Billie Jean Sepich Bennett, and his grandson, Joshua.  He is survived by his sons George Bennett of Gulfport (Diana) and Joey Bennett of Gulfport (Nancy); George's daughters, Ashley Herring (Justin), Erin Bennett (Chris), Brandy Viars (Tim) and Kayla Hornberger (Ross); Joey's children, Jessica Franklin (JJ), Jaime Douglas (Randy) and Justin Bennett; great-grandchildren Alex, Gabriel, Tahlon, Skylar, Harper Jean, Aubrey, Angelina, Drayke, Aubrey, Kenzie  Jacob, and Riley;  and nieces and nephews, too; Anne, June, Paul J., Donna, and Merrit.
If you would like to do something in place of flowers, we suggest a donation in his memory to Special Operations Warrior Foundation (specialops.org) or Gideon's International.