Melvin David Bennett passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at the age of 72.
Mr. Bennett was born in Jacksonville, FL. and graduated from George Cannon High School on the Island of Midway.
After high school, he was drafted by the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served 4 years for his country and was honorably discharged.
He returned to Jacksonville, FL. where he drove a truck for the Coca-Cola company and worked for the Ferber Sheet Metal company before starting his career as a law enforcement officer.
In June 1975, he joined the J.S.O. as a Corrections Officer and began his career at the P-Farm. He also worked in the old jail (where the Berkman Plaza now stands), the current jail and at the Community Corrections Division (C.C.D.). He was later promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Sgt. Bennett retired in June 2010 after serving 35 years with the agency.
He remained retired, loved his Alabama football team, and stayed busy by riding his motorcycle and enjoying quality time with his family and friends until his passing.
Mr. Bennett is survived by his wife (Michelle), two sons and three grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 27, at Redeemer Community Church, 87688 Roses Bluff Road in Yulee with Rev. Jackie Hayes officiating. Interment will follow at Green Pine Cemetery with military honors.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Green Pine Funeral Home.