Bennett III, William Morris

William Morris Bennett III 85, of Riner, Va., passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2010. He was predeceased by his mother, Bess Surface Bennett, of Christiansburg, Va.; father, William Morris Bennett Jr., of Nazareth, Pa.; brother, Charles Surface Bennett, of Limerick, Pa.; son-in-law, C. Clay Vest, of Floyd, Va.

He is survived by his daughter, Ellen Bennett Vest, of Floyd, Va.; brother, Donald E. Bennett and wife, Bonnie, of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; sister-in-law, Marguerite “Peggy” Bennett, of Limerick, Pa.; his beloved dogs, Elmer and Ollie. He is also survived by his cousins, C.W. Smith, of Christiansburg, Va. and Jane B. Stillwell, of Marietta, Ga.; numerous nieces and nephews; former spouse, Thelma Lucas, of Riner, Va.; special caregiver, William “Will” Burnette, of Vinton, Va.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2010, at the Horne Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at the Horne Funeral Home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to The Riner Fire Department, P.O. Box 11, Riner, Va. 24149 or Christiansburg Rescue-Riner Branch, P.O. Box 176, Christiansburg, Va. 24068.

The Bennett family is being served by Horne Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com.