David Kent Bennett

Bennett - David Kent Bennett, age 73, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on May 1, 2026.

Husband, Father, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Son, Brother, Uncle, Friend.

What can we say about our dad that people don’t already know. He was a great husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa. David taught us everything we knew about hunting, fishing, and making something out of nothing as he was a jack of all trades and never saw a project too big to tackle. His wife was his everything, the way he looked at her was how a man should look at his wife. He treated us kids like we could do no wrong. He was always there to give us advice or to simply listen. He was definitely a jokester, especially the cockeye joke which was always his go-to. In our hearts, we know he is with Jesus, sitting on his front porch that was made for him, telling us not to cry, saying he’s not in any more pain or suffering, and that he’ll be right there waiting for us. We love you dad, miss you very much. We’ll see ya later, bud!

Born in Quincy, IL. David was one of six children. He moved to Jacksonville, FL, when he was a bachelor and while his friends left, he stayed, met our mom and made a beautiful life for himself and his family. He worked 39 years for Malnove, Inc. until his tenure ended. When he wasn’t working, he spent the rest of his time with his family and the light of his life, Dorothy. David was an avid fisherman, hunter, coin collector and Dodger Baseball fan. Most importantly, Dad gave his life to Jesus officially and publicly, Easter Morning. David was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Carlene; in-laws, Edward and Lena Jordan; brothers-in-law, John Seibert, Brent Dye, Richard Rawlings, and Charlie Hamilton; sister-in-law, Mary Lou; and niece, Debbie Jeffers.

David is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dorothy; two sons, David Lee (Nickie) and Jordan (Michele); one daughter, Dawn Croll (Shawn); grandchildren, Shawn David Croll II, Kyle Croll (fiancé, Emily), Halie Barsh (Nyal), Wyatt, AnnaBelle, Aubrey, and Abel; great-grandchildren, Jude, Rowen, Carter and Saber; one brother, Steven (Kathy); four sisters, Bonnie (Larry), Diana, Marsha (Danny), Teresa; brother-in-law, Tommy (Eileen); sister-in-law, Jolinda Rawlings (O.J.); nephews, great-nephews, great-great-nephews, nieces, great-nieces, great-great nieces, and many extended family and friends.

This is a Homegoing Service, a Celebration of Life and the decision our beloved husband/Dad made to make Jesus his personal lord and savior.

Please wear your favorite sports attire, we will be donned in many teams but mainly L.A. Dodgers, Minnesota Vikings, and Jacksonville Jaguars.

The tribute above was prepared by David’s loving family.

A Celebration of David’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Cedar Bay Funeral Home, 405 New Berlin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Arrangements are under the care and direction of CEDAR BAY FUNERAL HOME, 405 New Berlin Road, Jacksonville, Florida, 32218. (904) 714-1110. 

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