Mr. Larry Glen Bennett, age 84, of Cat Corner, TN, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at his residence.

Born June 2, 1939, he is the son of the late Benjamin and Ila Fossett Bennett. He was a farmer, was co-owner of Bennett's Tool and Die from 1967-1995, and was a member of West Dyersburg Church of Christ. Larry was the heart and soul of Bogota's "Never Ready for Primetime Players" Hee-Haw, where he served as Director, cast member, and announcer for over 60 plus years. He truly loved making folks laugh and brought endless joy to our community. In the towns of Bogota, Dyersburg, Newbern, Tiptonville and Trimble, Larry worked with these charities/ organizations- multiple PTO's, DCHS project graduation for 10 years, American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, St. Jude, Dyer County Community Cancer Fund, and many families in need, raising over a half of million dollars.

From 1967-1968, Larry attended the Newbern Vocational Technical School, where he completed Engineering/Drafting, Machinist and Small Business Administration Degree. Larry completed the Dale Carnegie Course in 1982, Graduate Assistant 1983, 1990.

Larry served as State Representative Candidate for Lake, Dyer and Obion Counties in 2008, served as Board Member of the Elbridge Water Department, was Vice President of the Bogota Community Center, and was a special guest on a podcast for the Bogota Boys in April 2024.

Larry cherished sharing stories of his upbringing on Sandy Lane and was always proud to tell you he hailed from Cat Corner, Tennessee. His unique spirit and infectious laughter made him irreplaceable. There will never be another one like him.

Larry proudly served his country in the US Army from 1962-1964 Active Service, E4 Military Policeman, Stationed at Fort Bragg NC. He received the Good Conduct Medal and was part of the Company A 503 MP Battalion for the US Army. In 1963 he guarded James Meredith while he attended Old Miss and made history documented in the book (An American Insurrection; The Battle of Oxford, Mississippi) about him shooting a gun off in a bus. Larry was honorable discharged in 1967.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at West Dyersburg Church of Christ with Mr. Stephen Sutton and Mr. Jim Chamblee officiating. Burial will be in New Haven Cemetery. Dyersburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

The Bennett Family will receive visitors from 4:30-8 p.m. Monday, May 20, 2024 and from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at West Dyersburg Church of Christ.

Survivors include his daughter, Andrea Michelle Bennett Black of Cat Corner, TN; and his grandson, Bennett Stanford Black of Cat Corner, TN.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Frances Williams Bennett; a son, Carlton Junior Sullivan; five brothers, Harold K. Bennett, Thomas Bennett, Billy Bennett, Bobby Bennett and Joe Bennett.; and a sister, Mary Sue Carroll.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jeff Jones, Robert Moore, Ronnie Price, Rhett McIntosh, Doug Robertson, Wally Childress, Tony Childress and Kevin Beaver Farrow. Honorary pallbearers will be Bennett Black, Eric Maupin, David Jones, Danny Burress, James Lewis, Jackie Bennett, Lynn McIntosh, Jack Tibbs, Danny Willis, David Nichols, John Tibbs, Scotty Hale, Tanner Nichols, Doug Singletary, Tyler Nichols, Doug Robertson, Jr., Greg Ervin, Joe Lee Williams, Michael Parker, Dylan Parker, Steve Bennett, Zach Bennett, Adam McGuire and Rusty Grills.

In lieu of flowers: Help support the kids at St. Jude in their fight against cancer. Larry was an avid supporter of St. Jude Children's Hospital to help kids fight against cancer. He raised money from Hee-Haw Shows for years and Andrea and Bennett have carried on the tradition though the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend Runs. You can personally hand or mail (7026 Cat Corner Road, Obion, TN 38240) a check made payable to St. Jude to Andrea that will go towards their commitment this year.