Michael Bennett

Ripley, Mississippi--- C. Michael Bennett 36, of Ripley, died Friday, February 27, 2009, on his farm as the result of injuries sustained in an accident. He was born in Tupelo, MS June 11, 1972 to Mike and Gloria Eaker Bennett. Michael grew up in New Albany where he was a member of First Baptist Church and Participated in all children and youth activities including Bible Drill, Youth Choir and several mission trips. He earned the Eagle Scout Award through Troop 222 sponsored by First Baptist Church. He attended the New Albany City Schools Kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating with the class of 1990. In high school Michael excelled in basketball, being named to All Union County and All District, as well as being selected to the North All Star Team and participated in the Coca-Cola All Star Classic in Jackson. After graduation from high school, he was signed to an athletic scholarship with Delta State University and was a member of the 1992 Gulf South Conference Championship team, which advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in post-season play. Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1995. Michael met the Love of his life, Jill Grisham, they were married October 5, 1996. Michael was a member of First Baptist Church in Ripley, where he worked with the Upward Basketball program as a coach amd a member of the Board of Directors. He coached Little League teams through the Ripley Little League program for many years. He was vice-president and chief operating officer of Grisham Asphalt and Paving Company, Inc. in Ripley. He was co-owner of Pine View Farms with his father-in-law. He is survived by his wife, Jill Grisham Bennett; two sons, Nolan Michael Bennett and Judson Craig Bennett, one daughter Sophia Lindy Bennett, all of the home; his parents Mike and Gloria Bennett of New Albany; one sister, D'Anna Bennett White (Brock) of Jackson; two brothers, Jonathan Bennett of Vicksburg and Matthew Bennett of Madison, AL; three nieces, River Calsita White, Sarah Walter, Ellie Walter; four nephews, Colby Walter, Corbin Walter, James Walter, John Thomas Walter; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dennis and Lynda Grisham of Dumas, two brothers-in-law, Tommy Walter (Leslie) of Ripley and Bill Walter of Jackson. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Broadus and Vanna Lou Bell Eaker and Charlie and Clytie Smith Bennett: Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Cook, John Stanford, Brit Chapman, Matt Childs, Matt Duncan, Matthew Goolsby, Jay Griffin, Matt Griffin, Bill Melton: Honorary pallbearers will be Brent McBride, Chris Pannell, Bob Glover, Marty Hurt, Cameron Wilkerson, Sean Akins, Phil Sparks, Ray Yates and his cousins: To send flowers to the family of Michael Bennett, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Michael Bennett

June 11, 1972 - February 27, 2009