Richard “Peanut” Bennett

Posted on January 21, 2026

Richard “Peanut” Bennett, 79, went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 15, 2026. He was born in Hahira, Ga., on July 26, 1946. to J.A. Bennett and Corrine Spradley. Peanut was a decorated Vietnam veteran, having received two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars, as well as other commendations. He felt it was a honor to serve his country and he did it well. He is also a 40-plus year law enforcement veteran having served with the Perry Police Department (PPD), Taylor County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO), Florida Marine Patrol (FMP) and Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC). He was proud of his career and, most of all, the young men he had the privilege of helping to become law enforcement officers. Long lasting friendships were formed and the bond is still there today. If you knew Peanut, you liked him. He never met a stranger, he loved people and was truly interested in their lives and what mattered to them. He loved his church family and was most happy when serving as a greeter at New Home Baptist Church. He never met a child or a dog he did not like. But more than anything, Peanut’s relationship with his Lord and Savior grew more and more each day. He often said, he was so thankful for God’s grace and forgiveness. Today, he’s face to face with the One he loved. Peanut was preceded in death by: his parents, J.A. Bennett and Corrine Spradley; his brothers and sister-in-laws, Jimmy and Jean Bennett and Lindell and Donna Bennett; his mother-in-law, Hazel Comer; brother-in-law, Jack Underwood and Beau Underwood; and sisterin-law, MaeDeb (Ted) Rushing. He is survived by: his wife of 54 years, Melanie; his children, Ty (Jessica) and Libby (George); six grandchildren, Aidyn, Andrew, Avery, Landon, Hazel and Hollynn; and bonus grands, Brittany (Trace), Hunter (Susanna) and Matthew; as well as his sisters-in-law, Sue Bigbie and Margaret Underwood; many nieces and nephews; and special family, DeWayne and Amy Bowden and Shane and Brandi Hughes. Services to celebrate Peanut’s life were held Monday, Jan. 19, 11 a.m. at New Home Baptist Church. Visitation was held Sunday, Jan. 18, from 6-8 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, Tunnel to Towers or any charity of your choice.