Rocky Bennett

Gary Dean “Rocky” Bennett, age 72, of Jane Street, passed away Monday, October 10, 2022 at Atrium Health Cleveland. He was born September 29, 1950 to the late Henry Wilson Bennett, Jr. and the late Juanita Huffstetler Bennett Hill.

Rocky was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He was the successful business owner of Bennett Insurance Group of Cherryville, which he founded in 2007.

His love for baseball was evident in all of his years of service. Rocky was the head coach of the Cherries from 1984-1996.  And, Rocky was the Baseball Commissioner for Area 4 American Legion on multiple occasions. Moreover, he was the Post 100 Athletic Director for more years than we can count.

Rocky was inducted into the American Legion Hall of Fame in 2007. He was subsequently, inducted into the Cherryville Sports Hall of Fame. Rocky later received the 2014 David Poole Service Award from the Gaston County Sports Hall of Fame.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Allison Lynn Bennett Hovis; brothers, Michael Jacob Bennett, and Robert Eugene Bennett; and brother-in-law, Mutt Hayes.

Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Lynn Leatherman Bennett of the home; sons; Kevin Bennett and wife, Lutricia, Wesley Bennett and wife Kristen, and Kyle Bennett, all of Cherryville; granddaughters, Elizabeth Bennett, Audrey Bennett, Ragan Lynn Hovis, and Margaret “Meg” Jones; sisters, Sherry Hayes, and Mary Anne Bennett Jenkins and husband, T.J.; and son-in-law, Chris Hovis.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, October 15, 2022 at First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Vince Hefner officiating. Burial will follow at City Memorial Cemetery.

His family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM prior to the service in the church sanctuary.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 301 E. First St. Cherryville NC 28021.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com