OAK ISLAND — Bobby Ben Bennett, 82, passed away Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, at Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport, N.C. He was born Nov. 28, 1934, in Reidsville, N.C. His parents were Benjamin Franklin Bennett and Evelyn Terrell Bennett. He had two brothers, Edwin A. Bennett and Billy Bennett; two sisters, Ann Bennett Hardy and Peggy Bennett Knopp; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bobby was an industrial engineer and owned IEM Plastics Inc. in Reidsville, N.C., and American Recycled Plastics Inc. in Eden, N.C. He designed and built machinery for many prominent textile companies. He also built some of the first and most innovative plastic recycling machinery in the state. IEM Plastics grew to become one of the top plastic nursery container suppliers in the southeast using recycled materials instead of virgin plastic.
Bobby inherited the love of flying airplanes from his father, Benjamin. He built and flew a helicopter and ultralight airplanes. He eventually received his private pilot license and purchased his own twin engine airplane, which he flew for business and leisure.
Bobby was a former member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.
As an avid fisherman, Bobby spent a great deal of time deep-sea fishing with many friends and family members over the years. He designed and built (along with his cousin, Rodney Hill of Thomasville, N.C.) an 80-foot, three-story aluminum pontoon boat, which received media attention.
After his retirement to Oak Island, Bobby opened Oak Island Marine and Machine Shop on Old Bridge Road. There, he continued to manage his small machine shop and work on boats and engines. And, at the age of 82, he planned to retire and continue fishing to ‘catch the big one.’
Bobby and and his wife, Schelvia, were both enthusiastic and talented golfers. They won many tournaments in Reidsville, N.C., Eden, N.C., and the surrounding area. They were local celebrities when Bobby won the Men’s Championship at Pennrose Park Country Club in Reidsville and Schelvia won the Ladies’ Championship at the same time. Articles in local papers proclaimed this a rare occurrence.
Bobby and Schelvia were married Aug. 14, 1954. They had one daughter, Teresa (Terry) Cheryll Bennett; and one granddaughter, Sydney Elisabeth Napier, and her husband, Mark Allen Napier.
The family would like to thank Dr. Terry Pieper and staff, Dr. Domenic Palagruto and staff, Dr. Walter Gajewski and staff, The Dosher Memorial Hospital ER staff and the staff of New Hanover Regional Medical Center. We especially want to send special blessings to the volunteers and staff of The Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Wilmington, N.C., for being the most caring, patient and amazing people we have ever encountered. They truly have been called to their profession.
A memorial service for Bobby and Schelvia, who passed away, Saturday, May 13, will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, at Peacock-Newnam and White Funeral and Cremation Service, 1411 North Howe St., Southport.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make donations to Paws Place, Inc., 3701 East Boiling Spring Road, Winnabow, NC 28479.
Online condolences may be made at peacocknewnamwhite.com.