John "Tom" Thomas Bennett

Tom Bennett, age 79, of Kernersville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025. He went to the home of his heavenly Father.

Tom was born on September 16, 1945, at Rex Hospital in Raleigh NC weighing a grand total of 2 lbs 8 oz. Being three months premature, he had to spend the next three months in an incubator before going home. In addition, he had pneumonia six times before reaching the age of 1. His proud parents Laurice W Bennett and Janie Younger Bennett welcomed him to his home in Fuquay-Varina NC after his hospital stay. They are both deceased.

He is survived by his wife Jennet W Bennett who he married in 2004. He is survived by his brother Larry Bennett and wife Kathy and sister Taylor Faucette and husband (Jack) deceased. Also surviving are two children, Kevin Bennett and wife Lisa and Kristan Shimpi and husband Rahul. Three stepchildren Nicky Price and husband Ted; Todd Harkness and wife Angie; Erin Galloway and husband Nathan. Also surviving are three grandchildren Sam Bennett, Aidan Shimpi, and Samantha Shimpi. Also surviving are Uncle Tony Fowler and his wife Bonnie.

Tom accepted Christ as his savior when he was 8 years old. He attended Fuquay High School and graduated from Elon University in 1967. He was very active in civic groups including Kernersville Jaycees, and Kernersville Exchange Club. He also volunteered at Baptist Hospital for 9 1/2 years. Tom was very involved in youth sports including basketball and baseball. He coached on and off for thirty years (1983-2013). He enjoyed working with youth and developing their spiritual lives. There are numerous people that had coach Tom as their coach and still live in Kernersville.

Tom loved to fish--both fresh and saltwater. He loved to crappie fish and catch schooling white bass at High Rock. He especially loved early mornings when the white bass were schooling up top. He also really loved surf fishing at the coast since you never knew what you were going to catch. Lots of memories made over the years enjoying his favorite past time of fishing.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel with Pastor Terrill Gilley conducting this service. The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 1:45pm prior to the service. There will be a burial at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers please support https://carepatrol.com/winston-salem/ or your local Hospice.