Reverend Billy Darrell Bennett, Sr., 82 years of age, completed his earthly journey and received his Heavenly reward on Friday, October 9, 2020, with his family at his side.  Bill was born August 26, 1938, in Royce City, Texas to Nola Gladys Sullivent and Lum Bennett who have preceded him in death.

Bill met the love of his life, Marie Ann Marlow, in November of 1955 at Hat's Drive-in where she worked as a carhop.  They fell in love and married June 8, 1956, in Rockwall, Texas.  Bill and Marie were married for 64 years.   He immediately became a favorite brother-in-law to the Marlow sisters, Helen, Juanita, Hazel, Shirley, Janie, Betty, and Norma.

Bill and Marie found Christ in 1957 and started their journey of serving the Lord that day.  Bill served as the church's song leader, youth leader, and any other position that needed filled.  He had a servant's heart and always wanted to be busy at the Lord's work.

Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1960 – 1963 and was honorably discharged as Corporal in 1963.  His basic training was in Fort Hood, Texas and he was then sent to Italy to serve.  Bill and Marie returned to the states in 1963 with a new baby boy, Billy Darrell Bennett, Jr.  The new family started on their path serving God.

Bill began preaching in 1965 holding revivals at many churches in the North Texas area.  His first pastorate was a small church in Royce City, then they moved to a small church in Dallas – Victory Assembly of God.  Bill was ordained by the Assemblies of God on June 16, 1977.  At that time, he and his family moved to Denton to pastor First Assembly of God.  They pastored there for 25 years until 2002.  In 2001, Bill began serving as Chaplain to the Good Samaritan Society and retired from that position in 2013.  Bill's ministry touched the lives of many people throughout his years of service.

Throughout his life, Bill devoted his life to building churches and built several homes.  He was a master builder and enjoyed working with his hands.

Bill is preceded in death by his mother, Nola Gladys Sullivent Brown, his father Lum Bennett, his brother, Charles Allen Bennett, daughter-in-law, Sandra Lee Bennett and son-in-law, Niles L. Harper.

Bill is survived by the love of his life, Marie Ann Marlow Bennett; son, Billy Darrell Bennett, Jr. (Debbie); daughter, Danielle Bennett; grandsons, Billy Darrell Bennett III (Erin), Nicholas Cory Andrew Brown (Amber), Matthew Jared Brown (Jamie);  Rickey Ray Honea, Jr. (Danielle); granddaughter, Marissa LeeAnn Bennett.

Bill was also blessed to be called Grandpa by 10 great-grandchildren; Emery Rae and Finleigh Marie Brown; Camden Lee, Greysen Lyn, Tristen Mattie and Teagen Cory Brown; Logan Brody and Reese Marlow Bennett; Coy Wyatt and Brooklyn Honea.  Bill is also survived by his sister, Ellen Jones (Michael) and a host of nieces and nephews.  Bill never met a stranger and had special friends, too many to name.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 15 from 5 PM to 7 PM at DeBerry Funeral Home located at 2025 W. University Drive, Denton, TX 76201.  Please practice COVID guidelines by wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.  The funeral will be held Friday, October 16 at 10 AM outdoors at Freedom Life Church under a tent, reminiscent of the Tent Revivals from the 50's and 60's.  Freedom Life Church is located at 1609 Duck Creek Road, Sanger, TX 76266.  Masks will be provided.  Interment will be at Old Alton Cemetery in Denton immediately following the service.

The family would like to thank Rambling Oaks Nursing Home and the loving attention of the staff at Presbyterian Hospital of Denton for the care of our loved one.