William L. Bennett

Memorial services celebrating the Faith, Life and Love of William L. Bennett will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 1:00 PM in the First United Methodist Church of Quitman with Rev. Dr. Richard Preston White officiating.

Bill was born on September 8, 1944, in the Wesley Methodist Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Quimby Burett Bennett and his wife, Inez Valentine (Laging). He graduated from Fletcher High School in Fletcher, Oklahoma in 1963 after being raised on a dairy farm where he developed a strong work ethic.  Bill married Daisy Luvera McQuigg on March 25, 1967 in Oklahoma City.  After four years in Oklahoma, they had the good sense to move to Texas – Pampa, Texas that is.  Bill began his career at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where he spent 30 years developing the skills which allowed him to become a Training Manager-Pole Climbing instructor in Bastrop, Texas, until his retirement in 2000. 

Bill enlisted in the United States Army and obtained the rank of Sergeant during his 6 years of service. Bill served as a member of the 12^th Special Forces Airborne and was very proud to have earned his parachutist badge and then the special forces crest. He served as President of the Northeast Texas Paratroopers Association, a local group of Airborne Veterans, in 2011.

After retirement Bill and Daisy made their way to East Texas where he enjoyed supporting Daisy in her pursuits of Lake Fork fishing. Bill truly enjoyed the country life they found in Quitman.  He was a valuable member of his church family at First United Methodist Church and served on many committees and initiatives.

Bill will be remembered as a Master Mason, serving as Worshipful Master of the Flora Lodge #119 from 2013-2014. In 2013 he was awarded Lifetime Membership and in 2016 received the Golden Trowel Award for exceptional service.  For many years you would find him the first Saturday of every month presiding over “Best Pancakes by Bill” at the Lodge.

Surviving family includes his wife of 57 years, Daisy; daughter, Stacy Bennett of Pottsboro, Texas: son, Monte Bennett and his wife Jan of Cerrillos, New Mexico; sisters-in-law, Jean Bennett of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Melva Bennett of Wichita Falls, Texas, several beloved nieces, nephews, relatives and a host of friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Larry and Ronnie Bennett. 

The family suggests, for those who desire, memorial contributions be directed to the First United Methodist Church Quitman, Memorial Fund, 406 Lane St, Quitman, TX 75783.