Michael Leroy Bennett

                                                               John 17:4 KJV

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

Michael Leroy Bennett departed his life on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at his residence.  Born on March 12, 1954, Michael was the son of the late James C. Bennett and Ellen Smith Bennett.  

Michael was a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he served as both a Deacon and Trustee while regularly attending Altha Grove Baptist Church in Forest, Virginia. 

Educated in the Campbell County School System, Michael was the first African American SCA President. After graduating from high school, he furthered his education at Norfolk State University, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Master of Science in Education from the University of Lynchburg (formerly Lynchburg College). Michael’s teaching career of forty years began at Rustburg High School in Campbell County and ended at Heritage High School in Lynchburg, Virginia. He taught special education and coached track, football and basketball.

For forty-three years, Michael was married to Deborah McDaniel Bennett. This union blessed them with two loving daughters, Michelle Denise Bennett and Dr. Marcia Diane Bennett.  In addition, he is survived by a devoted grandson, Miles Daniel Bennett.  

To cherish his memories, Michael also leaves a devoted and loving sister, Alfreda Bennett Cundiff; devoted nieces, Vinetta Poindexter, Senior Chief Valinda Lewis and Vonda Casto; devoted great nieces, Diamond Cundiff and Selena Lewis; devoted great nephews, Vashon Cundiff, Jahvon Lewis, Jermale Poindexter, Jr., and Xavier Poindexter; his look-alike uncle, Howard Smith (Doris); two aunts,  Ms. Geraldine Wood and Mrs. Eloise Warrick (Elwood); and a host of other relatives. 

A kind and loving soul, Michael was a very proud husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, educator, mentor and friend. Whether it was participating, watching, coaching or attending, Michael was a consummate lover of sports and was well loved and always willing to share his talents with others both on and off the field. Not only did Michael enjoy landscaping his yard, but he also enjoyed manicuring the lives of all those he encountered.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, He will also lie in repose one hour prior to the service,  at Altha Grove Baptist Church Forest, Va. Interment will be in the Church Cemetery.