Billy Douglas "Doug" Bennett

Billy Douglas “Doug” Bennett, 88 of Cave City, died Thursday, February 11, 2021.  He was born September 13, 1932 in Shell Rock, AR (known by locals as Wildcat) to Joseph Emerson and Eula Mae Coleman Bennett.

Doug lived a colorful life, growing up in Strawberry, AR, where he lived most of his years.  He married Mary Jean Ketchem and raised a son, Roger Douglas, who was an awarded Southern Gospel pianist, singer and group owner, performing with the Cathedral Quartet and Legacy Five.  He worked in factories for many years, before establishing Bennett’s Auto Sales, where his passion for trading and his gift of story-telling found its home.  He served as mayor of Strawberry for a time, and also served on Strawberry’s Board of Education.  He later moved to Batesville, then Cave City, and spent his later years at Eagle Mountain Assisted Living (Batesville) with a brief stay at Woodlawn Heights Nursing Home (Batesville) at the end of his life.  Doug was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Cave City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Virgie Clem, Marie Ward, Pansy Pruett and Nina Harp; one brother, Joseph Emerson Bennett, Jr.; his wife Jean and his son, Roger.

He is survived by one sister, Betty Voyles of Walnut Ridge; two grandchildren, Chelsea L. Bennett of Tennessee and Jordan (Jessica) Bennett of Georgia; one great grandchild, Willa of Georgia; daughter-in-law, Debbie Bennett of Georgia; several beloved nieces and nephews; and a host of special friends who were loved as family by him.

A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church in Cave City with Bro. Ron Canard officiating and Bro. Curt Howard giving the eulogy.  Arrangements are by Qualls Funeral Home of Cave City.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the church.

Pallbearers will be Scott Whitmire, Craig Whitmire, Jim Smith, Dennis Smith, Randy Ward and Rick Clem.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Missionary Baptist Church, 112A South Main St., Cave City, AR  72521.