TITLE: In memory of Gerald Mack Bennett of Jefferson.

SUMMARY: In memory of Gerald Mack Bennett of Jefferson.

FULL TEXT:
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.