Roosevelt "R.J." Bennett

Roosevelt J. Bennett, 81, of Manila, died Monday, June 16, 2014, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born March 15, 1933, in Manila, he was the son of the late Olen and Ruth Bennett and had been a lifelong area resident. A career Marine, he proudly served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was later assigned to the Inspector-Instructor Staff, where he assisted with notifications of over 300 Marines killed in action during the Vietnam War. He retired from the United States Marine Corps with over 20 years of service and having attained the rank of Master Sergeant. He later worked in the civil service division at Eaker Air Force Base in Blytheville and also owned and operated Manila Feed and Western Wear for many years. Mr. Bennett was involved in many community projects, he served on the Manila Depot committee, and was a board member for the Manila Cemetery Association. R.J. was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Manila.

Survivors include his caretaker and loving wife of 62 years, JoAnn Ramsey Bennett of the home; two sons, Tony Bennett and Tim Bennett, both of Manila; one daughter, Pam Townsend of Manila; two sisters, Mildred Ramsey of Manila and Barbara Chojnacki of Jonesboro. He also leaves his grandchildren, Ginger Baltimore, Misty Adams, Dustin Bennett, Keith Bennett, Benni Don Bennett, Scott Townsend, Jr., Autumn Bennett, Brittany Guilliams, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral service was 2 p.m. Thursday at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Manila with Rev. Ray Dill officiating. Burial followed in Manila Cemetery. The family received visitors from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers were Keith Bennett, Dustin Bennett, Benni Don Bennett, Scott Townsend, Jr., Jason Baltimore and Brian Murphy.

Friends may sign the online guest register at Howard Funeral Service.