Clarence Derwood Bennett

Clarence Derwood Bennett, 83 of Maysville, went home to be with our Lord on Wednesday, June 3rd at his home. There will never be enough space to encapsulate the extraordinary life he lived. Known to most as C.D., “Benny” or Cowboy, he was born on July 3, 1936 in Lawn, TX. He moved to NC with his wife, Mary in 1957 when he was stationed at Camp Lejeune while in the Marine Corps. After the Marine Corps, he and Mary raised three children while running a chicken farm in Maysville. He was an avid bull rider, the only farrier in Eastern NC for years, and a founding member of the Onslow County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse. C.D. ran a successful shrimp boat named after his wife, switched to vegetable growing, grew blackberries commercially, and helped bring a farmer’s market to Onslow County. He inspired everyone around him with his artistic ability, inventions and innovations. His deepest desire was to build a lasting legacy for his family. With a life marked with triumph over tribulation, love and family, he accomplished just that and more. In the end, he was held by the woman that held his heart as he took his last breath. We will celebrate this incredible man’s legacy on Friday, June 5th at 11 am with a memorial service at the family cemetery on Bennett Farm, 1621 Riggs Road, Maysville with a viewing prior to the service. Pastor Steve of Grants Creek Baptist Church will be officiating. All are welcome to attend the outdoor service.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary A. (Altman) of Maysville; daughters, Mary Sue and husband, Roger Jenkins of Maysville and Cindy Jean Bennett of Maysville; a son, Clarence Derwood Bennett Jr and wife Mia of Maysville; two brothers; six grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Olean and Nannie Maye (Haynes) of Sweetwater, Texas and two grandsons, Jason Michael Godwin of Maysville and Clarence Derwood Bennett III (Trey) of Maysville.