Lawrence "Pee Wee" Bennett's Obituary
Lawrence “Pee Wee” Bennett, 81, of Rapidan, died Friday, December 20, 2024, at his residence. He was born June 4, 1943, in Culpeper County, VA to the late William Bennett and Hazel Clatterbuck Bennett.
One more thing and I’ll let you go…. Lawrence “Pee Wee” Bennett loved sharing stories and his love for people and life had him gathering and telling many. On December 20, 2024 Pee Wee’s story on this earth ended with his gentle passing at home. He was 81 years old.
Pee Wee was born and raised in Culpeper and after his service in the Army, returned to his beloved town to begin his life as a businessman, father and husband, Little League Coach, and friend to many.
Even though Pee Wee enjoyed all of the business chapters of his life (Merrimac Store, Gun Shop, Insulation Business, Real Estate Broker, Storage facilities and a few others sprinkled in here/there), he lived and breathed and was probably most well known as an Auctioneer – Bennett Realty and Auction allowed him to let his big personality out while helping people during their own transitions. He enjoyed giving back to the community by providing a bit of auctioning fun at charity events for schools, churches, the Museum, the Hospital, and Ducks Unlimited to name just a few.
One part of his life he didn’t talk about often but was proud of was his time on the Rifle Team in the Army. He was a sniper and was called to protect some famous individuals when there were marches on Washington. However, the tales he leaned into were the ones of competition. The Army drafted him as a tugboat operator but soon discovered that these “country boys” could shoot well. Soldiers were recruited from Culpeper, Nelson County, etc. He would always say, with a smile, “I was only number two in the US most of the time. That fellow over the mountain got me almost every time”. This small elite group of riflemen qualified for the Olympics but it would require signing up for another tour of duty and Pee Wee was anxious to get back to Culpeper.
He continued to enjoy hunting of all varieties, particularly turkeys. The fishing trips with the guys fueled more tales and memories. Gardening was like a competition sport – he always had a beautiful garden and passed out the bounty of his vegetables to many.
Lastly, but most importantly, he treasured all of his grands. He would glow as he put first Samantha, and then each of the others as they came along, on the tractor with him. Miles being the only boy in the bunch got his own special advice from his Pops. He truly loved how the house would fill with joyful noise but I think he liked it more when he could reach up and turn off his hearing aid and smile. He always had a smile and I believe would want the people who have a memory of him, to smile, too.
He is survived by his spouse, Monique Bennett; son, Andrew Bennett (Dana); step-son, Max Moten; five grandchildren, Samantha Bennett, Miles Bennett, Mackenzie Moten, Kylie Moten, and Addison Moten; sister, Lorraine Joye (Al); several nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Pee Wee is preceded in death by his brothers, William Bennett and Doug Bennett, Sr., and his sister, Thelma Corbin.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 26, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, with Rev. Wayne Bernardo officiating.
Interment will follow at Culpeper National Cemetery, 501 East Chandler Street, Culpeper. Military honors
will be provided by Culpeper VFW Post 2524.
Pallbearers serving the family will be Adrian Joye, Carl Stafford, Marshall Jenkins, Eric Jenkins, Kerr Chase, and Samantha Bennett.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Pee Wee’s name to Culpeper County Volunteer Fire Department, 151-153 West Davis Street, Culpeper, VA. 22701 www.culpeperfire.com
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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