George “Skip” Bennett, age 81, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on Aug. 14, 1944, and lived a life filled with adventure, hard work, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. Skip was preceded in death by his parents, George A. Bennett, Sr., Devena Bennett, and sister Sue Bennett Fleming.
He is survived by his beloved wife of over 30 plus years, Laura Bennett, the love of his life and devoted caregiver. Their marriage was built on love, loyalty, and unwavering support through every season of life
He is also survived by his children: Chris Bennett, father of Chase, Colton and Sheldon. Great Grandchildren Lylah, Lainey, Claire, Brooks, and Cooper; Harold Bennett, father of Chelsea and Great Grandchildren Fallyn and Alice; and Shane Pye with wife Laurie, and his children Corbyn and Brianne, Laurie’s daughter Laury along with their great-grandchildren Waylon, Paxtyn, Kash, Jax, Ilsa, Kazley, Liam, and Layla. He also leaves behind many extended family members and lifelong friends who will forever cherish his memory. Including special mention to the “Wild Bunch”, Carl G., Larry S., Harold H., Duane H., Billy W., and others. Also a very special thank you to Bill and Donna Tarpley, without whom the last two decades would have been infinitely harder. Bill was like the brother he never had. He was always there through the good times, and more importantly, always there during the bad. True brotherly love.
Known affectionately as “Skip” since childhood, he grew up on 134 Dell Dale Street Channelview, Texas, in a modest two-bedroom home where he shared countless memories with his two sisters, Sue and Judy. The Bennett family homestead was filled with laughter, adventures, and plenty of playful mischief as Skip loved teasing/antagonizing his sisters every chance he got.
Skip was a member of Old River Terrace Methodist Church during his youth. One memorable Sunday evening, while he was supposed to be attending Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF), Skip and his best friends decided to take the family car on an unforgettable joyride through the Channelview pipe yards. The adventure ended with the Bennett family’s brand-new Ford Fairlane being totaled. Thankfully, no one was injured, though the family soon found themselves squeezing into a much smaller Ford Falcon. It became one of the many stories that reflected Skip’s adventurous spirit.
He attended DeZavala Elementary School, Crockett Junior High School, and graduated from Channelview High School.
As a young man of just 19 years old, Skip demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by opening his own lawn mower repair shop out of his father’s garage. He also worked as a teenager at Ed Smith’s Exxon Station on Market Street, earning a reputation as a dependable and hardworking young man.
Skip proudly served with the Channelview Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He was a dedicated member of the department’s Pumper Team, competing in pumper races throughout South Texas and even advancing to the State Competition. His competitive nature and teamwork made those years some of his proudest.
Professionally, Skip spent 50 plus years (25 actively working ) as a proud member of Pipefitters Local Union 211. During those years, his coworkers affectionately nicknamed him “Shoestring”—and, as those who knew him would say, “If you know, you know.”
One of Skip’s greatest joys was raising his sons and teaching them valuable trade and life skills. From carpentry, roofing, plumbing, pipefitting, fabrication, welding, and mechanics, he believed in teaching by doing. By the age of ten, his boys had already learned skills that continue to serve them throughout their lives. As they often say today, “Thank you, Dad.”
Skip never met a stranger. He was the life of every gathering, always ready with a story, a joke, or a helping hand. Before meeting Laura, his life was full of remarkable adventures and more than a few close calls. Friends and family often joked that he had flipped nearly everything with an engine—from bulldozers to school buses. In 1992, he even survived a tornado that destroyed his home and left him with a disability or two…
Skip would be the first to admit that he truly lived life to the fullest.
Everything changed when he met Laura. Together they built a peaceful life in the country in Kenefick, Texas, where they shared three wonderful decades together. They enjoyed caring for their beloved dogs, spending time with family, working in the yard, and making a home filled with warmth and love. Skip especially loved cooking and baking. Whether preparing a family meal or sharing one of his homemade desserts, everyone knew they were in for something special, and there were never any complaints about his cooking.
Laura devoted herself completely to Skip, making sure he was always loved, cared for, and comfortable, especially throughout his illness. Their marriage was a beautiful example of unconditional love, friendship, and commitment. She was truly everything to him.
George “Skip” Bennett leaves behind a legacy of resilience, hard work, humor, generosity, and love. He taught those around him not only how to work with their hands, but also how to live with determination, loyalty, and appreciation for every moment. His stories will continue to be told, his lessons will continue to be lived, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.