Obituary for George Franklin Bennett Jr.
George was born in Flint, Michigan to George Sr. and Patricia Bennett. As a toddler, he liked to “play” the stone tiles in front of the family fireplace, delighting in the different sounds they made. His mother noticed his fascination, and encouraged her boy’s early instincts for percussion. Big sisters Sandi and Sherry loved pop music, playing all the hit songs while babysitting their baby brother, further nurturing little George’s sense of rhythm and rhyme. Like his father, George grew to be at home in the water and could swim long distances or float with ease around a lake. He resembled his mother most, with his slender frame, blue eyes and curly hair that glinted red in sunlight.
George worked non-musical day jobs in his teens and early twenties before devoting himself to music full time. He played all types of music, but especially found his musical voice and family in the southeast Michigan jazz scene, where he formed so many of his lifelong friendships. George became the “cool uncle” to his nieces and nephews, especially kindred spirit Sandie Lynne, while enjoying the musician’s life well into his forties. He loved teaching, and stayed in touch with several of his former drumming students over the years.
George was deeply romantic and could be brought to tears hearing certain chords or melodies. He loved special occasions and creating memorable moments for people he loved. Significant long-term loves in his younger days include Carol and Rainell (and their dog Rufus). In 1997, George and Tracy (with a little help from their friends) found each other, and soon made a home together. Though he hadn’t expected to make a family, George’s third act as a husband and stay-at-home dad became his most fulfilling and enduring. When his son Daniel was born in 2002, George took on the duties of co-parenting with devotion and joy, instilling in his son his own passion, ear, and sensitivity for music.
George was enormously proud of the achievements and talents of his family and close friends, prominently displaying his buddy Jeff’s photographs and Tracy’s first published puzzle, filming Daniel’s recitals and concerts and never missing a soccer game. To Daniel he was a teacher, coach, advocate, and biggest fan. He was a loving husband to Tracy, as well as a great friend and neighbor. George in retirement became a gentler version of the man he’d always been: tender-hearted, thoughtful, empathetic, creative, loyal, and devoted to family, friends, and home.
In recent years, George found more time to pursue his eye for design with home improvement projects, especially in the yard. Summer was his favorite season, and he loved working outside. George had just completed a week-long project building an inspired rock garden and planting new grass seed on the day he died. He spoke of his great satisfaction in the beauty of his creation, and was looking forward to summer nights outdoors, admiring what he’d built and spending time with Tracy and Daniel, and in-laws Linda, Ned, Cinda, Chris and John, watching lightning bugs dance. George gloried in such simple pleasures shared with loved ones.
We miss this unique and beautiful man immensely.
George’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, July 8 2021 from 10am until 2pm at Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103. There will be musical pieces and speaking between 11am and 1pm. Family and friends are welcome to come and go as they please.
Those wishing to honor George’s memory with a charitable donation might consider:
Vincent York’s JAZZistry: https://vincentyorkjazzistry.org/donatesupport-us/
WEMU https://www.wemu.org/donate#stream/0
The Heidelberg project:https://www.heidelberg.org/donate
George worked non-musical day jobs in his teens and early twenties before devoting himself to music full time. He played all types of music, but especially found his musical voice and family in the southeast Michigan jazz scene, where he formed so many of his lifelong friendships. George became the “cool uncle” to his nieces and nephews, especially kindred spirit Sandie Lynne, while enjoying the musician’s life well into his forties. He loved teaching, and stayed in touch with several of his former drumming students over the years.
George was deeply romantic and could be brought to tears hearing certain chords or melodies. He loved special occasions and creating memorable moments for people he loved. Significant long-term loves in his younger days include Carol and Rainell (and their dog Rufus). In 1997, George and Tracy (with a little help from their friends) found each other, and soon made a home together. Though he hadn’t expected to make a family, George’s third act as a husband and stay-at-home dad became his most fulfilling and enduring. When his son Daniel was born in 2002, George took on the duties of co-parenting with devotion and joy, instilling in his son his own passion, ear, and sensitivity for music.
George was enormously proud of the achievements and talents of his family and close friends, prominently displaying his buddy Jeff’s photographs and Tracy’s first published puzzle, filming Daniel’s recitals and concerts and never missing a soccer game. To Daniel he was a teacher, coach, advocate, and biggest fan. He was a loving husband to Tracy, as well as a great friend and neighbor. George in retirement became a gentler version of the man he’d always been: tender-hearted, thoughtful, empathetic, creative, loyal, and devoted to family, friends, and home.
In recent years, George found more time to pursue his eye for design with home improvement projects, especially in the yard. Summer was his favorite season, and he loved working outside. George had just completed a week-long project building an inspired rock garden and planting new grass seed on the day he died. He spoke of his great satisfaction in the beauty of his creation, and was looking forward to summer nights outdoors, admiring what he’d built and spending time with Tracy and Daniel, and in-laws Linda, Ned, Cinda, Chris and John, watching lightning bugs dance. George gloried in such simple pleasures shared with loved ones.
We miss this unique and beautiful man immensely.
George’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, July 8 2021 from 10am until 2pm at Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103. There will be musical pieces and speaking between 11am and 1pm. Family and friends are welcome to come and go as they please.
Those wishing to honor George’s memory with a charitable donation might consider:
Vincent York’s JAZZistry: https://vincentyorkjazzistry.org/donatesupport-us/
WEMU https://www.wemu.org/donate#stream/0
The Heidelberg project:https://www.heidelberg.org/donate