Clifford Wayne Bennett, 88, of Orlando, Florida, passed away peacefully on July, 10, 2025. He was born on August 15, 1936, in Lakeland, Florida, to the late Edward L. and Lily Morris Bennett. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Betty J Bennett, his son Eric Wayne Bennett, siblings, Jane and Elmer Freier, Robert and Ann Bennett, Howard Bennett and brother in law Roy Allred.

After completing high school, he went on to attend Florida Southern College, and was a member of the ROTC. He also starting working part time at Publix Supermarket. After graduating in 1958, he entered the U.S Army Reserves as a commissioned officer. He served 2 years active duty first at Fort Benning, in Georgia and later at Fort Jackson in North Carolina. He was honorably discharged in 1966, as a 1st Lt.

After completing his military service, he went on to pursue his career with Publix where he became the store manager at both the College Park and Winter Park stores. From where he retired in 1985.

Growing up, Clifford wanted to be a forest ranger and had a passion for architecture. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling, gardening, attending NASCAR races, and fishing. He also built his own cabin in Franklin, North Carolina with the help of his brother Robert.

He is survived by his children Elizabeth and (Gwen) Vensade, Liana Bennett, and Yvonne and (Kenneth Sr) Raley, nine grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, sister Carol Allred, sister-in-law Gloria Bennett, and former wife, Alice Bennett, the mother of his children.