Charles 'Mel' M. Bennett

Charles M. 'Mel' Bennett, 85, Bradenton, passed away on April 8, 2017. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all he met.

Mel was born on October 20, 1931 in Heaters, West Virginia to the late Alva Robinson and Mamie Gay (Singleton) Bennett.

He honorably served his country in the United States Navy. Following his military service he worked as an automotive mechanic.

He has been a long time resident of Anna Maria Island.

Mel was predeceased by his beloved wife Nancy Rae Carter Bennett in 2014, and by his three siblings. Survived by his son, Robert (Teri) Bennett, two daughters; Lezlie (Jeff) Nance, Kelly (Dale) Stephenson, five grandchildren; Jeremy (Shawna), Kymberli, Alison, Abigail, Anabelle, two great-grandchildren; Carter and Lyla, sister-in-law, Deloris 'Butch' (Jim) Carden, brother-in-law, Richard (Gale) Carter, niece, Shirley (Clint) Bradford Daniels and many more nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A Celebration of Mel's life will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 6101 Cortez Road West, Bradenton.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Tracey Vita's School of Dance for Scholarships, 4181 9th Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205.