Horace Wilson Bennett

Horace Wilson “Buddy” Bennett, Jr., 76, of Grand Ridge, Florida died Saturday, July 25, 2026, with his family by his side.

He was born December 31, 1949, in Dellwood, Florida to Naomi and Horace Bennett, Sr.  Buddy served his country in the US Air Force, including a tour in Vietnam. He returned to Jackson County and started with the Department of Corrections where he worked until his retirement 34 years later. Throughout his life and professional career, he was always ready to learn something new and frequently took classes to widen his knowledge base. Anyone who knew Buddy knew two of his favorite things were horses and Coon Dogs, and if you needed him, he could be found outside, enjoying as much of every day as he could.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Naomi Hatcher Bennett and Horace Wilson Bennett, Sr; and sisters, Nancy Trawick, Sandra Jeter, and Gloria Bennett.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Melissa Bennett; children, Tim Bennett (Dana), Chelsea Wright (Brad); grandchildren, Tristan Bennett, Dillon Bennett (Amanda), Riley Wright, Raegan Wright, Dax Wright, and one great-grandchild; sisters, Betty Marilyn Villarreal, Lona Benefield (Jerry), Daphene Edenfield; and many nieces, nephews and extended family who loved him dearly.

Funeral services will be 3 PM Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel with Steve Benefield officiating. Burial will follow in New Hope Freewill Baptist Church with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. The family will receive friends from 2 PM until time of service at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel.

Flowers accepted or donations may be made in Buddy’s memory to the charity of your choice.