VSU legend Bennett dies at 91
VSU legend Bennett dies at 91
June 11, 2007
William M. "Pete" Bennett, a member of the Virginia State and CIAA halls of fame, died Thursday night at the Dunlop Home for Assisted Living in Colonial Heights. He was 91.
He was born in Richmond on Oct. 15, 1915, the son of Grace Welcher Bennett and stepson of Arthur Bennett.
The family moved to Portsmouth, where he was educated in Portsmouth Public Schools. He attended I.C. Norcom High School and was a two year All-State athlete in football and track and field. He attended Virginia State College for Negroes (now Virginia State University) where he received his bachelor degree in health and physical education and biology. During his collegiate career, he was a two-year, two-sport All-American culminating with his selection to play in the 1941 NFL College All-Star game. His honorable service includes World War II and Korea in the Negro Army. He attained his master's degree from Columbia University of New York where he met and married Katherine Marie Howard of Elizabeth City, N.C.
After a brief period of teaching and coaching in Tidewater, he returned to his alma mater, Virginia State College as a professor of health physical education and athletics coach. Affectionately known as "Pete" to his peers and "Coach" to his students, Bennett had an illustrious career which included numerous NAIA and CIAA Coach of the Year awards.
Bennett served Virginia State University in many positions ranging from professor to coach to athletics director for over three decades.
Considered one of the finest athletes of his time and one of the greatest coaches in Virginia and CIAA history, Bennett was elected to the CIAA Hall of Fame in 1982 and the Virginia Sports Hall Fame in 2002.
Bennett was an active member of many social and community organizations including: the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Beaux Twenty Club, GPAAA of Virginia and St. Stephens Episcopal Church.
Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, 11 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and predeceased by one adopted daughter. He was beloved by thousands of family, friends, and students.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 13, 2007, at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Petersburg. Canon James D. Smith will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Funeral Home during that time the memorial service for Omega Psi Phi will be held.
Funeral arrangements are being provided by the staff of William N.Bland & Son Funeral Home, www.blandenterprisesinc.com.
