William Wayne Bennett, 69, of Millen, went to be with the Lord on September 24, 2022, surrounded by his loving family at home. Wayne succumbed to a 14 year battle with end stage kidney disease, fighting valiantly up until the very end.

Prior to his illness, Wayne was an enthusiastic fisherman, hunter, gardener and outdoorsman. He was a 29-year employee of The Millen News where he ran a printing press. Wayne was also a retired National Guardsman, having served 20 years with the Waynesboro, GA, Army National Guard Unit. He was a member of Deep Creek Free Will Baptist Church.

Preceding Wayne in death were his parents, Roosevelt and Ruby Bennett, and siblings, Mary Burke, Nadine Quick, Jeanette Oglesby, Nellie Mae McDaniel, Arnold Bennett and Roosevelt (Buddy) Bennett Jr. The family circle was reunited with Wayne's passing.

Mourning his passing is his wife of 49 years, Deborah Chester Bennett; sons, Tyson (Lindsey) Bennett and Jason (Melissa) Bennett; grandchildren, Jaylee Bennett, Ty Bennett, Avari Bennett, Jonny Rice, Savannah Bennett and Keely Bennett; sisters-in law, Rhonda (Ronnie) Hendley, Judy (Jeff) Joyner, Sharon Robbins and Reba Bennett; all of Millen, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at Deep Creek Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Bobby (Butch) Taylor officiating.  Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will be in the Bennett Family Cemetery on Bennett Cemetery Road.

Honorary pallbearers will be men of Deep Creek Free Will Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Hendley, Dustin Hendley, Jeff Joyner, Bryce Joyner, C. J. Green and Steve Burke.