VALDOSTA —
Very few can claim the successes in a community that Harold Bennett could, as his life’s work and his legacy will shine forever through the properties he helped preserve, restore, and protect.
Very few can claim that after they retire from a job after 31 years, they turn their passion into a full time vocation. Harold turned an interest in architecture and historic structures into a nearly full time job in his retirement, staying active and engaged far past the time that others do.
And very few can claim they lived a very full and active life for 97 years, leaving behind a loving wife, attentive and successful children, and a personal history as rich as the community history he so passionately preserved.
Harold served on the city council and was able to help pass the historic preservation ordinances which laid the foundation for his later work. From the Roberts House to restoring the Valdosta City Hall following a fire in the 1980s, Bennett was the protector of historic structures. His knowledge of historic facts and architectural details made him a most valuable resource in the community.
Rather than settling into a life of leisure, Harold turned his retirement years into ones of selfless dedication to his community. His service as an elected official enabled him to create a path for future good deeds.
His passion was evident as he could argue for hours about the necessity of preserving the past to protect the future.
Valdosta owes Harold Bennett a debt of gratitude and with his passing, the community has lost a historic treasure.
What We Think
The loss of a historic treasure
- What We Think
-
-
How should we handle the mentally ill?
Nearly 20 percent of our state’s population suffers from a form of mental illness, with around 4 percent suffering from acute mental illness. It’s a significant health issue in Georgia.
-
Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To all South Georgia graduates. Congratulations on your success in completing school and best wishes on your continued success in the future.
-
New era at the Boys and Girls Club
Next week on June 1, it will be the official end of an era at the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta when Robert Soper hands over responsibility for the organization to the new Chief Professional Officer Jim Wink.
-
Thank you, EMS
We always pull over for them, but we rarely seem to thank them.
-
Tornado: An aftermath of help
Seeing the massive path of destruction left in the wake of tornadoes in Oklahoma Monday was a sobering reminder of the power of spring storms.
-
Thoughts on graduation
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
-
Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
-
On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
-
Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
-
Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
- More What We Think Headlines
-
How should we handle the mentally ill?
