With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Mr. Bennie Ray Manning, age 78, of Richton, Mississippi. Bennie passed from this life on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Bennie was born on December 14, 1947, to George and Hazel Manning of Richton, the eldest of six children. His role and order in the family during that era was, without a doubt, a major factor in the man he became. He was known by many as steady, responsible, and a devoted family man. From an early age, Bennie learned the value of hard work and grew to be someone you could count on if he gave you his word.

When Bennie departed from this life, his devoted wife of 59 years, Betty Jo, was by his side. Betty took pride in supporting and partnering with her husband in every endeavor.  He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend.

Bennie's working life was not defined by a single career; rather, his goal was always to provide for his family.  After marrying the love of his life in 1967, he worked as an automotive mechanic at the Longleaf sawmill in Waynesboro.  Next, he worked as a carpenter building houses with his dad, brothers, and uncles, and later worked in Pascagoula at Mississippi Chemical for several years.  After leaving Mississippi Chemical, he joined Scott Paper Company, where he worked for about 20 years.  He then became self-employed as the owner and operator of his dozer service.  He finished his public working career at Camp Shelby, where he was employed as a mechanic until his retirement at age 65. Running a bulldozer was his most loved occupation, but his favorite hobby was working on his small farm.  He also loved the outdoors, whether it was riding through the pasture looking at his cows or riding through Cades Cove looking for bears with his bride, Betty.

Bennie was a faithful member of Union Grove Assembly of God Church, where he loved his church and church family. Most of all, he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He served as a Sunday school teacher for the men's class, was a trustee and deacon for many years, and was recently named an honorary lifetime deacon.  He was always ready to help in any way he could.

Bennie and Betty built a life together with family and faith at the center. They raised two sons, Douglas (Carla) and Reggie (Arlene), and he took his role as a father to heart. He would later be known as "Pawpaw Bennie" to Zach (Jordyn) Manning, Koko (Hannah) Manning, Kera (Dre) Davis, Hannah Lauren Manning, and Jessica Manning. Years later he became known as "Pawpaw" to his great grandchildren, Zadyn, Hazel, Sunny, Helen, Bentley, and Bennett.  Bennie was a beloved sibling to his brothers, Gary "Bubba" Manning, Dennis (Kathy) Manning, and Ronnie (Benita) Manning; and Karen Freeman.

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, George and Hazel Manning; and a son.

He leaves behind a legacy defined by dedication to hard work, integrity, dependability, and faithfulness to his family. He was deeply loved by all who knew him.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Union Grove Assembly of God Church.  Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. also at the church.  Bro. Manuel Henderson, Bro. Reggie Manning, and Bro. Chris Adcock will officiate the service and burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery.  Serving as pallbearers will be Justin Stinson, Justin Bufkin, Sid Little, Bobo Hession, Channing Walley, Patrick West, and Jerry Mills as alternate.  Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Union Grove Assembly of God Men's Sunday School Class.