BENNIGHT, Jesse Helton

Jesse Helton Bennight, 80

Born November 18, 1932, passed away peacefully at home in Leander on January 12, 2013. He was smiling and joking just moments before.

Jesse was born at home in Buda, Texas to Jesse and Etta (Knapp) Bennight, who preceded him in death along with his brother Harold Bennight and sisters Billy Jean Woodall and Betty Bennight.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Margie Woods Bennight, his soul mate and love of his life. He is also survived by his brother Joe Bennight and wife Charlotte of Round Rock; sister Doris Toliver of Dickerson; sons Jesse Bennight and wife Michelle and Brian Bennight of Austin; daughters Celia Bennight of Leander and Misty Bennight Webb of Caldwell; grandchildren Holly Foster and husband Derek of Longview; Charles Vincent and wife Justine of Leander; Jessica Vincent and Jazpir Logan Bennight of Granger; great-grandchildren, Lily and Cooper Foster of Longview and Alaina and Brandi Vincent of Leander and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jesse was a very special person to everyone he knew. He never met a stranger. He had a wonderful dry wit and always loved to joke. He adored his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He had a wonderful smile and strong arms that he used often for hugs.

Jesse was a proud Eagle Scout and served also as his sons’ Scout Leader. Jesse served in the Navy Reserve at Austin High, then joined the Navy and served during the Korean War. After serving his country he joined the Austin Fire Department where he served for 31 years and retired in 1987. The AFD was an extended family with many friends there. Jesse was a lifetime member of the VFW in Leander. Jesse will be missed but will live in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 1200 Bagdad Road, Leander. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16 in the Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel. Interment will follow at Bagdad Cemetery in Leander.

Obituary and memorial guestbook available online at www.wcfish.com

Published in Austin American-Statesman on January 15, 201