Michael Paris Bennett

Michael Paris Bennett, age 80, passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, January 4, 2025. He loved his family and was a great Husband, Dad, Papa and Big Papa. Michael was saved at an early age at Providence Baptist Church in Sandy Springs. He later moved his letter to First Baptist Church and then to Bethlehem Baptist Church in Cumming. Michael was a descendant of several generations of “tenters” at Holbrook Campground, a place so close to his heart. He had never missed a Camp Meeting in his life until this year when his health prohibited him from attending more than a brief visit on the last Friday night.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Paris D. Bennett and Gladys Smith Bennett; his brother Kenneth Bennett; his nephews, Vance Bennett and Jason Bennett; his father and mother-in-law, Dr. Rupert H. Bramblett and Melba Ree Barron Bramblett. 

Michael is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patsy Bramblett Bennett; their children and grandchildren: daughter, Michelle McKinney (husband Wade), grandchildren, Bennett and Alex McKinney and Brett Keyser; daughter, Valeree Bryant, grandchildren, Michael (wife Kayla), Nicholas (fiancée Abby), and Caraline Bryant; son, Paris Bennett (wife Tammy), grandchildren, Drayton (wife Cameron), Carson and Kathryn Bennett. He is also survived by his great-grandsons, Everett and Beau Bryant, Malachi Bennett and Canyon Keyser; his brother, Wayne Bennett (wife Lois), sister-in-law, Remelba Sorrells (husband Doug), and brother-in-law, Walker Bramblett (wife Vicky). He also has many beloved nieces and nephews and other relatives.

As a fifth generation Forsyth Countian, Michael lived most of his life on Post Road. He was a farmer, electrician, small business owner and real estate investor. He loved being a cattle and poultry farmer above all other business interests. Michael was a public servant for over sixteen years, serving on the Forsyth County Board of Tax Assessors, Board of Equalization, and three terms on the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. His enjoyment in public life was helping people. As a Commissioner, Michael served as Chairman several years and was a member of the Hospital Board when our local hospital became Northside Forsyth. He served on the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority for several years, was a member of IBEW Local 613 over 50 years, and was a member of the Forsyth County Farm Bureau for thirty-plus years. Michael was an Organizer and Board Member of the Citizens Bank of Forsyth County, now Citizens Bank of Georgia, having served in this capacity for over twenty-five years. He loved his many friends, new and old, that he made throughout his life and was touched by the many deep friendships that continued into his last years.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 7, at 3:00 PM at the Ingram Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tommy Estes, Rev. Scott Sorrells, Rev. Larry Vaughan, Rev. Pete Martin, Rev. Gerral Richards, Rev. Doug Carnes and Rev. Jamie Sanford officiating. Interment will follow at Sawnee View Gardens.

The service can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/live/TukrV1kI1Uw?si=FNAmLP7wlxCbUSBg 

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Holbrook Campground, C/O Charlie Webb, 1200 Wing Street, Unit 13; Atlanta, GA 30350

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements.