Robert Lee Bennett, 77, of Ocala, Florida, passed away on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024. Robert was born in Linton, Indiana, to Paul and Bernadine Bennett on the 28th of November in 1946.
He went to high school at Bishop Moore Catholic of Orlando, Florida where he graduated in 1966. That year, Robert enlisted in the Navy, where he served for four years. This service to his country included one year and eight months overseas, engaged in the Vietnam War as a Hospital Corpsman embedded with the Marines. On the 29th of August 1969, Robert was awarded a Purple Heart medal for wounds received as a result of action with enemy forces. Other medals he was awarded included the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Robert was honorably discharged from the Navy on the 31st of August 1970 at the rank of Hospital Corpsman Third Class. Robert went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Southern College in 1983. He worked 30 years for the State of Florida as a Program Specialist, retiring in 2005. In his free time, Robert enjoyed playing guitar, watching Gator football games, and spending time with friends and family.
Robert is survived by his wife Linda, sons Mark, John and Preston, sister Judi, nieces Sherry, Lisa and Ingrid, nephew Landon, and grandchildren Lindsay, Becky, Ashley, Amanda, Brooke Josh, Elizabeth, and Victoria. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernadine and Paul Bennett, and brothers Tom, Ron, and Gary.
Visitation will be held at Robert’s of Ocala Chapel, 6241 SW State Rd 200, Ocala, FL 34476 on November 14, 2024 at 9 a.m. Followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.