Stephen Michael Bennett of Athens, AL passed away peacefully on February 15, 2023. Born to Paul and Nell Bennett, Mike grew up in Clanton, AL with his brother David and sister Anne. Clanton is also where he met his beloved wife of fifty plus years, Donna. After graduating from Auburn University, Mr. Bennett began his lifelong career in retail. Alongside his wife, father, brother and son, Mike devoted his life to the family business, Bennett’s Department Store in Athens, AL. He was active in the Athens Limestone Chamber of Commerce and awarded the Business Person of the Year. He was also active in Athens Rotary where he served as President and Secretary and was a board member of First American Bank. Under his leadership, Bennett’s Department Store was awarded the Alabama Retail Association’s Retailer of the Year. Mr. Bennett was instrumental in making Bennett’s Department Store the mainstay it is today on the historic Athens Square. If you could not find him at Bennett’s, he inevitably was at his cherished river camp where he enjoyed avid reading and listening to music at a lively decibel.
Mike Bennett is survived by his wife Donna, son Cory (Nikole) Bennett, daughters Emily (Josh) Bennett and Sarah Bennett, father Paul Bennett, brother David Bennett, sister Anne (Jeff) Moore. Forever loved and remembered as Poppy by his grandchildren Nate, Natalie and Remi and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother Nell Bennett and step-mother Shirley Bennett.
The family will be accepting visitors for a Celebration of Life at the AFUMC Beasley Center Saturday February 18, 2023 from 1-3:00 pm followed by a private family ceremony in Garth Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Athens Main Street or Hospice of Limestone County.
