John Taft Bennett Jr., 82, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville. John was born in Ormond Beach, Florida to the late John Sr. and Carrie Lou Allman Bennett and had lived in Branford for the past 19 years. He was a Korean War Combat Veteran and had previously worked for Ford Motor Company. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grand & great great grandfather who loved fishing, western movies, and a good Hank Williams tune. He had a big heart and was always available to help anyone in need. He was a free spirit in every sense of the word, and lived and enjoyed life on his own terms.  He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Gracie Crews and Joyce Blasingame, brother, James "Jake" Bennett, daughter, Debbie Garrett and his devoted spouse of 15 years, Carolyn Sue Garrett.

Survivors include his sons, John T. (Donna) Bennett III of Vermilion, Ohio, Greg Garrett of Houston, TX, Gale (Kim) Garrett of Branford, FL, and Doug (Paolo) Garrett of Houston, TX; daughters, Peggy Lou Bennett & Lisa Ann Bennett both of Lorain, Ohio, and Kellie (Ronnie) McDonald of Van Vleck, TX; brother, Tom (Barbara) Bennett of Ormond Beach, FL; sister, Barbara (Raymond) Barber of Rutherfordton, NC; 22 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

Memorial services for friends and family will be decided at a later date.

GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 South US Hwy 441, Lake City, Florida. 32025. (386) 752-1954. Online at www.gatewayforestlawn.com