Wayne Bennett

NAPLES — Wayne Bennett, 68, of Naples, died Saturday, April 4, 2015, at the Veterans Hospital in Togus.

He was born in Casco, on Aug. 1, 1946, to Gordon Bennett and Mary (Pitts) Bennett. Wayne played football as a guard, and graduated from Lake Region High School in 1965. Following high school, he coached minor league baseball and coached travel basketball for the Sanford Sun Setters.

Wayne proudly served his country on board the USS Oriskany during the Vietnam War. He was on board the carrier USS Forrestal the day that one of the biggest naval disasters took place, when 127 sailors were killed.

He drove school bus for Massabesic school district and later at Lake Region High School. He had an unmatched passion for high school football, and would take any bus trip to football games that he could. When his bus driving days were done he would attend as many Massabesic, Sanford and Lake Region games as possible.

Wayne did radio broadcasting at high school playoff basketball games in Augusta with his longtime good friend Pete Barker from 1980–83, and broadcasted home games for Sanford football and basketball for radio station SMA1220 AM.

He loved his kids and grandkids! He always followed every sport he could, including his daughter Annette’s softball teams, and always followed his grandchildren no matter what they were playing, and loved every minute of it. He made it to every game he could, and will be missed at the softball tournaments and around the Windham softball league.

His love of country music was shared with the entire family. He taught each and every one of his children to fish, and most of them still love to fish to this day.

Wayne loved his fried clams, and every summer he would save up and treat himself.

He was predeceased by his father Gordon Bennett; his mother Mary Bennett; and his brother Hugh Bennett.

He is survived by his daughter Annette Metcalf and son-in-law David Metcalf of Harrison; sons Jayson Bennett of Naples, George Bennett and daughter-in-law Michelle Bennett of Waterboro, William Bennett (US Navy active), Ronald Bennett of Harrison; brother Gary Bennett of Naples; sisters Peggy Bennett of Naples, Ruth Nichols of Harrison and Janice Wilson of South Paris; seven grandchildren: Eric Metcalf, Angelica Bennett, Roman Bennett, Willie Bennett, Alba Bennett, Bryce Bennett and Jessie Bennett; and Tonya Rose, his best friend.

There will be a Military service at 11 a.m., on Saturday, April 18th, at the Military Wall in front of the Naples Town Hall. Later, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Naples Legion Hall on Rte. 11, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. A time of sharing will be from 4 to 5 p.m. Please come and share your fondest and funniest stories. Wayne wanted everyone to come and have a “Last Blast.”