Thomas Street Bennett passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2008, at his home in Glade Hill. Tom was born on August 17, 1945, a son of the late John Sid and Paige Tyree Bennett. He attended Franklin County Schools, including Ferrum College, where he earned an Associate Degree in l965. Tom earned a Bachelor's Degree in English and History from Virginia Tech in l968, a MALS from Hollins University in 1972, and an Ed.D. from the University of Virginia in l986. He also obtained licensure in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling from Radford University. Tom began his career as an English Teacher at William Fleming High School in Roanoke City in the late `60's and early `70's. He then worked at William Byrd Middle School from 1974 to 1986, transferring to Cave Spring High, where he was a counselor from 1986 until his retirement in 2000. After one year of retirement, he returned to counseling at Northside High School where he was currently employed. Tom is survived by an aunt, Mary Frances Tyree, from Glade Hill; and also by several cousins, neighbors and friends. Funeral services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 2008, with the Rev. David Long officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Glade Hill Baptist Church Handbell Choir, 6627 Colonial Turnpike, Glade Hill, Va. 24092. He will be missed by many students and colleagues who fondly knew Tom as Dr. Bennett. He has encouraged and guided many hundreds of students through their course work and on to college. He was devoted to his work and to his students. There will be no visitation. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service, Rocky Mount, Va.
Published in the Roanoke Times from 3/13/2008 - 3/14/2008.