George "Wayne" Bennett

George “Wayne” Bennett, 65

George “Wayne” Bennett of Bartow passed away Monday, March 17, 2025 at Bartow Regional Medical Center.

He was born June 15, 1959 in Turkey, Istanbul to the late George and Winifred Bennett; he has been a lifelong resident of the area. Wayne was a retired distillation operator for Givaudan Flavors Corporation and served with the Army National Guard for 19 years before being discharged as a Captain. He was a hardworking and dedicated man. Wayne liked Harley Davidson motorcycles and could often times be found working on one. He also enjoyed driving RC cars. Wayne loved to spend time around a firepit.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, George and Winifred Bennett; son, Paul Meadows; brother, Gary Wade Bennett; and sister, Janet Bennett. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Geraldine Bennett; daughters, Heather Barnett and husband Tim of Winter Haven, Keather Bruce and husband Joey of Winter Haven; son, Bradley Bennett of Bartow; sister, Michaela Bennett of California; grandchildren, Emma Meadows, Hannah Creel, Alison Hare, Braden Bennett, Ave Kuykendall, Colin Barnett; and great-granddaughter, Alaia Ross.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. Interment will follow at Eagle Lake Cemetery in Eagle Lake.