In memory of Gerald Mack Bennett.

89(R) SR 690 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 690

In Memory

of

Gerald Bennett

WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with

the passing of Gerald Mack Bennett of Jefferson on

April 28, 2025, at the age of 74; and

WHEREAS, The son of Jim Wilson and Finna Faye Bennett,

Jerry Bennett was born in Marshall on July 14, 1950, and he grew

up with the companionship of four siblings, Jim, Phil, Judy, and

Glenn; a member of the Marshall High School Class of 1968, he went

on to graduate from Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor's

degree in education in 1976; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Bennett enjoyed a long and rewarding career

as an educator and football coach, starting with his first job as

an assistant coach at Marshall High School; he then served as a

defensive coordinator at Queen City High for two years before

landing a head coaching position at Jefferson High; in 1986, he

led the Jefferson Bulldogs to an undefeated season and a 3A state

championship, garnering Cypress Valley, District 16-AAA, and

Texas Sports Writers Association Coach of the Year honors; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, Mr. Bennett began coaching running backs

and inside receivers at Southern Methodist University alongside

his brother, head coach Phil Bennett; he later helmed the

football program at Linden-Kildare High before returning to

Jefferson, where he coached until his retirement in 2013; in

recognition of his exceptional work, he was inducted into the

East Texas Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 2015; and

WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Coach Bennett benefited

from the love and support of his wife, Tammy, and their daughter,

Ashley; a member of First Baptist Church Jefferson, he and

Mrs. Bennett taught third- and fourth-grade Sunday school for

several years, and he served as chair of the usher and personnel

committees; and

WHEREAS, Although Jerry Bennett is greatly missed, he will

forever be remembered with admiration and affection by his loved

ones and by the countless other individuals whose lives he

touched; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th

Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Gerald Mack

Bennett and extend heartfelt sympathy to his family: to his wife

of 42 years, Tammy Bennett; to his daughter, Ashley Ann Bennett;

to his siblings, Jim Bennett and his wife, Peggy, Phil Bennett

and his wife, Julie, and Judy Bennett Kimberly and her husband,

Kirby; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be

prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns

this day, it do so in memory of Jerry Bennett.

Hughes

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the

above Resolution was adopted by

the Senate on June 1, 2025, by a

rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate