Mr. Hugh Harper Bennett, age 83, of Heflin, Alabama, passed away at his home on Thursday, February 25, 2010.

Mr. Bennett was a naval veteran of World War II. He was a well-known and much respected businessman who began his career as a partner in J. W. Bennett Lumber Company.

Over the years, he established himself as a cattleman, a tree farmer, a real estate investor, as well as a lumberman. Mr. Bennett was a faithful member of Heflin First United Methodist Church where he was a member of the choir for over forty years.

He was a long-time member of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and the Alabama Forestry Association as well as a member and long-time supporter of the Booster Club at Cleburne County High School.

Mr. Bennett was preceded in death by his father, Mr. J. W. Bennett; his mother, Mrs. Ellen Harper Bennett; one sister, Mrs. Jane B. McMurray (Hop); three brothers, Mr. J. O. Bennett, Mr. Glynn A. Bennett (Betty), and Mr. W. Rollan Bennett.

Mr. Bennett is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Jacqueline Stamps Bennett; four children, H. Thomas (Gloria) Bennett, Vicki (Eddie) Grubbs, Carol (Glea) Sarrell, and Tracy Bennett, all of Heflin. He is survived by a sister, Alice B. Miles (Buster) of Heflin; a brother, Bibb N. Bennett of Heflin; a brother, Dr. W. Tyson Bennett (Debbie) of Charlotte, North Carolina; and two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Nancy Bennett of Oxford and Mrs. Joyce Bennett of Heflin. Survivors also include seven grandchildren: Anna Bennett, Jay (Kellie) Grubbs, Jim (Lexi) Bennett, Jill (Will) Benefield, Warren Sarrell, Ellis Bennett, and Tom Sarrell; one great-grandchild, Avery Bennett; and a number of nieces and nephews. A grateful and special thanks is extended to good friends/caregivers Tommy R. Cofield and Paul H. Gay.

Funeral services for Mr. Bennett were 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 27, 2010, at Heflin First United Methodist Church with the Reverends Sam Hayes and Lamar Davis officiating.

Pallbearers were grandsons and Tommy R. Cofield. Interment was at the Heflin City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the building fund at Heflin First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 205, Heflin, Alabama 36264 or to the charity of one’s choice. Mr. Bennett will be deeply missed by family, friends, and business associates.