Jerry Grant Bennett, 63, of San Mateo, Florida passed away October 26, 2013 at Haven Hospice Care Center in Palatka, Florida after an extended illness. He passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Jerry was a 1969 graduate of Jonesboro High School and then served in the Honor Guard of the United States Army. He graduated with honors from Computer Learning Center in Arlington, Virginia and worked in several locations before retiring in 1999 from AT&T American Transtech/Convergys in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jerry enjoyed playing tennis, shrimping in the St. Johns River, and almost anything in The Florida Keys. He was a long distance runner most of his adult life and delighted in running with friends especially at races. He was a warm-hearted and kind man and he will be missed more that any of us can put into words.

Born in Johnson City on August 14, 1950, Jerry was the son of Joyce Maxine West and William Richard "Buddy" Vaughan. Jerry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clayton and Ethel Bennett, his parents, and half brother Richard Vaughan. He is survived by his life partner of over 20 years, Kate Clouse; three daughters, Jayme Dawn Story (Richard) of Jonesborough, Jodie Denise Huskey of Sevierville, and Tracy Renee Wright of Elkton, Florida; brother, Roger Bennett (Penny) of Telford, half brother Doug Vaughan of Bowmantown, three half sisters Sherry Vaughan of Johnson City, Marie Vaughan of Jacksonville, Florida, and Theresa "Terry" Bates of Jacksonville, Florida, step sister Robin (Ricky) Shepard of Telford, and step brother Kim Shepard of Gray; nine grandchildren, Grant Story, Ava Story, Isaac Huskey, Michaela Huskey, Isaiah Huskey, Emma Huskey, Ashley Darby (Michael), John Blackford, Joshua Wright; great grandchild, Allison Darby; Uncle, Bill Bennett (Paula) and Aunt, June Holtsclaw (Jimmy) both of Jonesborough.

The family will be receiving friends at 5:00 p.m. Monday, November 4th at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home of Jonesborough with services to follow at 6:30 p.m . Mr. Raymond Perkinson will officiate.

Flowers are gratefully accepted or memorials may be made to Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, 6400 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, Florida 32177.