On Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the age of 86, Dale Clell Bennett left this world peacefully and surrounded by his family. Dale was a businessman, avid golfer, and most importantly a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Dale was born November 21, 1936 in Russell, Iowa to Clell J Bennett (d. 1970) and Ruby Kimler Bennett (d. 1990). He was the only boy and the youngest sibling, having four older sisters, Doris Bennett Werts (d. 2013), Donna Bennett (d. 1931), Shirley Bennett Drake (d. 2011) and Clarice Bennett Erickson. He majored in Business at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa where he also played for the Drake basketball team. After completing his degree he joined the United States Army. Over the years he was involved in numerous businesses, even selling Vita Craft cookware and owning a wig shop. His most notable business accomplishment was as owner of Chamberlin's Market and Cafe from 1974 to 1999 and he was also a member of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.
Even with all of his accomplishments in the professional world, the most important thing in Dale's life was his family. Dale is survived by his wife, Debra Bennett. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Alice Bennett (d. 1994). He was a proud father to Pam Stockman (Bob), Sara Murdaugh (Jim), Kirk Bennett, Chad Bennett (Lisa), Erin Levental (Alex) and Tara Halaychick (Mike), grandfather to Ashley, Bryce, Brandon, Brianna, Amanda, Brittany, Derek, Austin, Conor and Colby, and great-grandfather to Brayden, Harper, Marleigh, Aria, Lyla, Emma, Lucy, Augusta, Forrest, Otis, and Ruth. Even with 6 children, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, Dale never forgot a birthday, although he often spelled his grandchildren's names wrong, and his favorite moments were holidays and birthdays spent with the family together.
Dale was so well-traveled and an avid golfer even into his later life. He has traveled to over 30 countries, but his most frequent trip was to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina to play the many golf courses there. Dale has golfed all over the world (most notably in a tournament at St. Andrews Links in Scotland) but he called The Club at Venetian Bay in New Smyrna Beach, Florida his home. He was an active member of the club and it was there on the 16th hole that he got a hole-in-one.
Dale has been involved in many service-based organizations such as South Seminole Rotary Club, where he held many leadership positions and was President. He was a parishioner at First Presbyterian Church in New Smyrna Beach. In his final days, it was his faith that gave him peace. On his last day, he said, "I know where I am going." Not one person who knows Dale would doubt where he is now. Dale lived his life guided by his faith as is evident in that every person who knew him often described him as the nicest man ever. Dale was more than just what his relationship was to you. If you ask any friend, he was more than just a "friend." He was the person who ALWAYS started any conversation asking about how things were going with whatever he talked with you last about...even if it had been years.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a memorial gathering to celebrate Dale's life, it will take place on Tuesday, February 28th from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. A memorial service will be held the following day, Wednesday, March 1st at 10:00 am at First Presbyterian Church New Smyrna Beach with a reception to follow at The Club at Venetian Bay.
In remembrance of Dale Bennett's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Florida Little Dog Rescue or the Mission Ministries of First Presbyterian Church New Smyrna Beach.
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