Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
View All Obituaries from Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
Clinton Bennett, Jr., 91, of Sandusky, departed this life on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Stein Hospice Center after a lengthy illness.
He was the oldest child born to Clinton, Sr. and Paralee (Thompson) Bennett on December 11, 1922 near Little Rock, Arkansas.
Early on, Clinton was given the nickname, "Beebee," and it stayed with him for a lifetime. It followed him into a career as an amateur boxer, where he excelled in the light heavyweight division of the Golden Gloves for 13 years.
A 1941 graduate of Sandusky High School, Clinton supported his family as a mill and foundry worker and for 21 years as a custodian in the Sandusky school system. Starting at Adams Jr. High and Campbell Elementary School, he made his ascension from the boiler room to the board room. He was appointed to the Sandusky School Board in 1992, as a replacement for an unexpired term. Later, after winning an election, he continued to serve the board for 13 years. Clinton's proudest moment was becoming Sandusky's first African American school board President.
His life was dedicated to serving God and the community. He was Chairman of the Second Baptist Church Deacon Board for 51 years. He served 21 years on the Sandusky Planning Commission. He was honored by numerous community organizations including Progressive Lodge #85, Sandusky NAACP, National Council of Negro Women, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, the We Too Club of Ebenezer Baptist Church, and most recently by the Sandusky Board of Education for his service.
Left to cherish his memory are sons, Dr. Michael I.J. (Walidah) Bennett, of Chicago, IL, and Jack A. (Dr. Frieda) Bennett, of Dayton, OH; sisters, Rosalee Bennett and Christine Rogers, both of Sacramento, CA, and Goldean Rice, of Columbus, OH; grandchildren, Derek (Felice) Grayson, Jr., of Atlanta GA, Alexis (Clifford) Grayson, of Lorain OH, Cicely Bennett, J.D., of Austin TX, and Ashley Bennett, of West Carrollton, OH; son-in-law, Derek Grayson, Sr., of Fort Wayne, IN; special children, Ken and Verlene Wood, of Sandusky; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie Mae (Robinson); daughters, Jill Grayson and Patricia Bennett; sister, Pearl Bennett; brother, Walter Bennett, Sr.; and special friend, Mary Wood.
Friends may call from 10 A.M. on Saturday, March 15, 2014 until time of funeral services at 11 A.M. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1215 Pierce St., Sandusky. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Clinton's memory to The Sandusky High School, Clinton Bennett, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Faith A. Denslow, Sandusky School Center, 2130 Hayes Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870.
Condolences and words of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting www.toftfh.com. Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling arrangements.
