Thomas Edwin Bennett, 95, of Columbia, died Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Born March 23, 1928, in Greer, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Grady O'Neal and Ella Ruth Wilson Bennett.

Eddie was married to the late Aljean Henderson Bennett and father of the late Thomas "Tom" E. Bennett, Jr. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Grady Bennett and sister-in-law, Elizabeth "Lib" Jones Bennett.

Eddie and his late wife loved entertaining friends in their home and beach trips to Pawley's Island. He loved the Lord, family, friends, music, and sports. Prior to his retirement, Eddie enjoyed a long and successful career in the finance business.

Eddie was very devoted to many churches throughout his life. He was a member of Shandon Baptist Church where he was active in the Disciple Sunday school class. Eddie was also a former member of Kilbourne Park Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, and choir member. One of the happiest times in Eddie's life was as a member of First Baptist Church in Spartanburg. As a member of their Yesterday's Team Senior Choir, he traveled from New York to Florida performing the musicals Daniel, Jacob, and Moses in churches and Federal Prisons for inmates. Most recently, Eddie attended Saluda River Baptist Church in West Columbia.

During high school, Eddie was very athletic and was Captain of his football, basketball, and baseball teams. He also played baseball in the local Textile League. Eddie was an avid tennis player well into his senior years at the Columbia Tennis Center, even playing tournaments with the coaches. Eddie was a Clemson Tiger fan, but also rooted for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. He routinely enjoyed attending football and basketball games for each.

Survivors include his daughter, Janice Lynn Bennett; former son-in-law and great friend, Carl Thomas Cantrell; nieces, Donna Stancil (Don Haynie) and Sara Beth Bennett. Also surviving are a multitude of great nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

The funeral service for Mr. Bennett will be held at 11 o'clock, Tuesday, June 20th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 10 o'clock.

Following the funeral service, a committal service will be held at 2 o'clock at Mountain View Cemetery, 386 North Avenue Greer, SC.