James Robert "Bobby" Bennett was born on December 23, 1947 in Mayfield, KY to Pete and Virginia Bennett and  lived a life rooted in faith, family, and the land he loved. At 78 years old, Bobby's life was a testament to hard work, devotion, and joy found in simple things. A lifelong farmer, he poured his heart into his land, his animals, and the people who shared his life. He passed peacefully from this life on January 19, 2026

Bobby was the devoted husband of 47 years to his bride, Elizabeth "Beth" Ann Bennett who preceded him in death, with whom he built a life full of laughter, love, and companionship in Mayfield, Kentucky on the Bennett farm.  Together, they raised three children—Ashley Estes (Jonathan) of Henderson , TN Jamie Trice (Austin) of Mayfield KY and Beau Bennett (Sasha) of Mayfield KY—and created a family grounded in values of faith, perseverance, and togetherness.  Bobby was a proud father and an even prouder grandfather to 8 amazing grandchildren- Dean Estes, Lane Estes, Tucker Dunn, Ellie Estes, Sawyer Dunn, Josie Bennett, Jettie Bennett, Jules Elizabeth Bennett who all thought he was the best "Papa".He rarely missed a ballgame, performance, or moment to cheer—often loudly—from the stands. If an official needed correcting, Bobby was always happy to help.

A faithful Christian, Bobby was deeply committed to his Bethel Church of Christ family. He taught Bible classes and lived his faith daily through kindness, generosity, and an unwavering love for others. He truly never met a stranger. Whether friend or passerby, Bobby greeted everyone with a smile, a story, or a joke—usually followed by his unmistakable laughter and literal knee slapping and stomping.

Known for his strong work ethic his entire life Bobby held many jobs over the years including carpenter, General Tire employee, U.S Army veteran, but farming was where his heart was from his early days of cows and hogs to his later years of  tobacco, corn and soybeans.  He was a devoted caretaker of the land and all the creatures in it—feeding birds and deer all winter long, tending his garden every summer and caring deeply for every animal that crossed his path. His love for animals was only matched by his love for children; kids were naturally drawn to him, and he always had time to listen, laugh, and talk with them.

Bobby was also a man of many passions. He was a meat-smoking extraordinaire- nobody could top his smoked ribs;   a sports lover—especially his beloved Mayfield Cardinals—and a lifelong fan of anything his grandchildren played. He went to every football, baseball and basketball game he could.  He loved the water and found peace fishing at Kentucky Lake, Crappie Hollow specifically- rod in hand every spring.  Bobby also cherished the memories made during 9-day trail rides, sharing that tradition with his wife, kids, grandkids and special Nine Day family.

His sense of humor and joyful spirit filled every room he entered. Bobby laughed easily, joked often, and made life lighter for everyone around him. He was a brother, a friend, a neighbor, and a steady presence whose love ran deep and quiet, yet strong. He gave sacrificially and without reservation to all who needed- especially his family. He was so proud of his quiver and house being full. Psalm 127:3-5 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth.5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.

Bobby leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and faithful living. Though he will be dearly missed by his loved ones, church family, friends, and all who knew him, his spirit will continue to live on—in the fields he worked, the traditions he passed down, the stories he told, and the love he gave so freely to all.

Bobby is also survived by his brother,  Fuller Bennett  and sister Marilyn Jones, and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his eldest brother Cliff Bennett.

Pallbearers include his grandsons- Dean and Lane Estes and Tucker and Sawyer Dunn; honorary pallbearers include Jimbo Seay, Ronnie Colbert, Johnny Kendall, Charles Ray Harris, Fuller Bennett, and Murray Bryant.

Funeral services for Bobby Bennett will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday January 22, 2026 at Byrn Funeral Home in Mayfield, KY. Stacy Overby and Ryan Overby will officiate. Interment will follow at Bennett Cemetery.

Visitation will be 11:00-2:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.