Preston "Pep" Poythress Bennett, 78, a child of God, golfer, farmer, loyal Ole Miss alumnus, and beloved family patriarch, died Tuesday evening, March 31, 2009, at his home of complication from Alzheimer's.
Pep, an educator and farmer, was the son of Dr. and Mrs. James (Annie Edna Hackett) Bennett of Meridian. The youngest of six children, he was predeceased by John D. Bennett, Esq.; Dr. Hackett Bennett; Jim Bennett; Gardner Bennett, retired military; Ann Bennett Speed; and his grandson, William Harry Frazer, IV.
Pep and his wife, Gene Elizabeth Thomas, were married on June 30, 1946, and enjoyed 63 years together. Other survivors are their daughter, Penelope "Penny" Frazer of Clarksdale; grandson, Preston Bennett Frazer (Ashley Tinnin); and three great-grandchildren, Katherine "Katie" Elisabeth Frazer, Preston Bennett Frazer, and Charles Harry "Chase" Frazer, all of Memphis.
Head Meridian Coach Jim Baxter, during his period of undefeated champion teams, said of Pep, "I'm not ever worried about the quarterbacking. We've got the best high school quarterback I have ever seen, anywhere, any time."
"…I have never enjoyed anything more than I enjoy being a part of Ole Miss," said Pep when asked about being inducted into the Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.
Throughout his 60 - year membership Pep served in various positions for his Lord at First United Methodist Church and Character Builders' Sunday School Class. He was a board member and past president of Clarksdale Country
Club, president of the Coahoma/ Tunica/Tallahatchie County Ole Miss Alumni Association, a member of American Legion; and, when farming, a member of Delta Council.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2009, 10:30 am at First United Methodist Church in Clarksdale. Burial will be at Oakridge Cemetery.
Meredith-Nowell Funeral Home is directing.
Donations may be made to First United Methodist Church; 405 First Street; Clarksdale, MS 38614 or to the donor's choice.
Published in the Clarion Ledger on 4/2/2009