Douglas E. Bennett

Douglas Eugene Bennett

February 1, 1937 – November 5, 2025

Douglas Eugene Bennett, of Cleveland, Georgia, passed away on November 5, 2025.

Doug was born on February 1, 1937, in New Martinsville, West Virginia. He grew up in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, where he graduated from Highlands High School and married his high school sweetheart, Ann Sporing, on November 4, 1955. Shortly after their marriage, Doug joined the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War. While stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, he and Ann became active members of Tampa First Baptist Church, where he felt a call to ministry. He later attended Stetson University and Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, earning degrees in Religion and Language, as well as a Master of Divinity. Doug and Ann welcomed their daughter, Julie Ann, in 1963. They were also devoted foster parents, opening their home to more than 100 children over the years and forever adding Sam and Kim to their family.

Doug was a loving husband, father, pastor, and community servant whose compassion and faith touched countless lives. Throughout his years of ministry, Doug faithfully served several congregations as both Pastor and Children’s Minister, including Upton Baptist Church in Kentucky, Emmanuel Baptist Church in Cataula, Georgia, Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Suches, Georgia, and Cleveland First Baptist Church in Cleveland, Georgia.

Doug was also deeply involved in the mental health community. In 1972, he was appointed to direct Alchemy, a federal drug rehabilitation program in Columbus, Georgia, which he led until 1978. He later helped operate the Outdoor Therapeutic Program in North Georgia, serving teenage boys, and worked as a counselor through Avita and other community organizations. In addition, Doug helped establish a tutoring and mentoring program in Cleveland for underserved communities and volunteered as a counselor at Cleveland First Baptist Church.

Doug was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann Bennett. He is survived by his children, Sam and Stephanie Bennett, Julie Ann and Dale Welsh, and Kim Bennett; grandchildren, Emily and Bill Rye, Rachel and Derek Dillard, Nathan Welsh, Samuel and Danika Bennett, Rebekah and Jeff Canterbury, Joseph and Emily Bennett, Jonathan and Victoria Welsh, Tyler Bennett, Elizabeth Welsh, Aaron Welsh, Jacob and Alyvia Bennett, Joel Welsh, and Emery Williams; and great-grandchildren, Jackson, Adalyn, Bear, Tripp, Lawson, Emma, and Brielle. Doug will be remembered for his steadfast faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering dedication to serving others. His life was a testament to love, humility, and the power of Christian service.

Memorial services are scheduled for 3:30 P.M. Saturday, November 15, 2025, from Cleveland First Baptist Church. Rev. Dennis Turner and Mr. Sam Bennett will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2:30-3:30 P.M. at the church, prior to the service.

To share a memory or leave a condolence with the family, visit barrettfh.com.

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.