Leonard "Bay" Bennett

life story

Loving Husband and Father

Leonard's Life

Leonard C. Bennett III affectionately known as “Bay” was born on January 5, 1950, in Warren, Ohio to the union of Leonard Bennett Jr. and Marie Elizabeth Reed. Leonard was the third of twelve children. Leonard grew up in Chicago, where he attended Scott Elementary School, Wadsworth Upper Grade Center, and graduated in 1969 from Hyde Park High School.

After graduating from high school, Leonard was employed by G.E. Appliances and later became a manager of McDonald’s Restaurants. As a McDonald’s manager, he employed numerous young ones. Leonard retired from the City of Chicago Streets and Sanitation in 2012.

It was at Wadsworth where he met Sharon Clark. Leonard and Sharon married in November 1971. They went on to have 3 children Steven, Paul, and Sharena. Leonard enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, listening to dusties, and traveling. He also loved entertaining company and eating Lem’s Barbeque.

On January 15, 1974, Leonard dedicated his life to Jehovah and became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He served as an elder in the Stony Island, Racine, and Lincoln Trail Congregations. After retirement in 2012 he served as a Regular Pioneer along with his wife. He also enjoyed working as an overseer in the kitchen at the Assembly Hall on 79th and Ashland, as well as Safety Overseer with the RBC. Leonard was a people person, never meeting a stranger. He loved joking and giving people nicknames.

Leonard loved his friends and family and would often call to check in. He had many spiritual sons, namely Sway Simpson, Terrell Ray, Laron Esau, and Norman Armstrong. He was also known by one brother as “Big Poppa”.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joann, and his brothers Clifton and James.

Leonard leaves to cherish his loving wife Sharon of 50 years, 3 children Steven (Renee), Paul (Kortney), and Sharena Bridgmon (Terrance). Siblings Patricia, Pauline, Paul, Elaine, Joyce, Sarah, Alice (Cleo), Mabel, and Marilyn. Uncle John Bennett, Aunts Peggy Crouch, and Shirley Barnett. Mother-in-law Mary Clark, sister-in-law Michelle, brother-in-laws Timothy and Ricky. Host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Special buddies Lee Esau, Bill Stacker, Greg Thomas, Walter Howard, and Arthur Gause.

memorial service

Visitation & Funeral

August 6, 2022

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 9837 S Torrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60617, USA

3:00 pm CT/4:00 pm ET

IN-PERSON ADDRESS LISTED ABOVE

Or

By video conference

Zoom ID: 981 197 4877

Password: matthew633

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Gatling's Chapel Inc