May 14, 1940 – January 20, 2023 

William “Billy” Joe Bennett, age 82 of Columbus, Georgia passed away peacefully on Friday January 20,  2023 at approximately 6:15 in the evening. 

Billy was born in Jesup, GA but resided in Columbus, GA for the majority of his life.  

The son of the late Norman Parker Bennett and the late Cartier Brown Bennett, Billy became a  professional barber early in life. He worked alongside his father in a small shop right in the middle of his hometown of Jesup Georgia.  

Eventually, life brought him to Columbus, GA where he met and married Sharilyn Martin Bennett Cody.  They were married in Phenix City, AL on October 24, 1963. They went on to welcome their only child, a  beloved daughter, Kimberly on September 19, 1964. Billy and Sharilyn eventually went their separate  ways. They did however remain the best of friends and dedicated co-parents to their daughter. They  would take on the added titles of loving co-grandparents in January of 1991 upon the birth of their only  grandchild, Alyssa Ericson. 

After many years of barbering, Billy decided it was time to embark on a new career path. This path led  him to become a Civil Servant practicing as a Certified Pest Control and Extermination Specialist. Billy retired in the mid- 1990s after decades of proudly providing necessary and appreciated extermination  services. 

Never one to sit still, Billy quickly traded out retirement to dedicate himself entirely to his family which is what became his greatest joy and passion, always ensuring that they were his main priority.  

He is survived by many beloved family members including his former wife, Sharilyn Martin Bennett  Cody, daughter Kimberly Bennett Ericson, and granddaughter Alyssa Ericson (David). He is further survived by his devoted, and much-loved nephew and caregiver Jeffery Wayne Bennett. Additionally, he  is survived by his brothers Richard Norman Bennett, Douglas Wayne Bennett, and Harry Eugene Bennett  as well as Sisters Betty J. Davenport and Connie Sue Bennett.  

A private memorial service is to be held for family and close friends at the Mosley-Bennett Family  Cemetery in Jesup, GA. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests that a tribute donation be made to the not-for-profit BBB

Georgia Cremation-Columbus is assisting the family.