Obituary of Charles Thomas Bennett

Charles “Charlie” Thomas Bennett died Tuesday, November 7, 2023 in Columbia, SC. He was 66 years old.

Born on December 7, 1956 in Rock Hill, S.C., Charlie was the youngest child and only son of Charles P. Bennett and Martha Mitchell Bennett. They predeceased him as did his sisters, Carol Bennett Graham and Gail Bennett McMillan.

Charlie was a graduate of Rock Hill High School and of the University of South Carolina where he majored in journalism. He spent the majority of his life working as a well-respected sports writer and reporter working for The State newspaper in Columbia, SC, The Anderson Mail in Anderson, SC, The Aiken Standard in Aiken, SC, The Times Picayune in New Orleans, LA, The Charleston Post and Courier in Charleston, SC and Bleacher Report. He was also the author of Game of My Life: South Carolina Gamecocks.

Charlie is survived by his four children: Carol B. Kaune of Aiken, S.C., Augusta B. Forbes (Jonathan) of Brandon, FL, Charles “Bubba” T. Bennett, of Columbia, S.C., and Michael T. Bennett of Irmo, S.C. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, all of whom were his greatest delight; Kennedy H. Kaune, Mark W. Kaune, Blythe C. Williams, and Sophie I. Forbes, plus two nephews.

Charlie’s greatest passions aside from his grandchildren were horse racing, college football especially the Carolina Gamecocks, reading, the beach and reminiscing with his many friends and former co-workers. If you knew Charlie, you loved being around him. His biggest motto was “work hard, play hard” and many people knew him as “Good-Time Charlie.”

A celebration of his life will be held at Woodridge Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Lexington, SC on November 19, 2023 at 2:00. In lieu of trees or flowers, the family welcomes donations to be made in Charlie's memory to the South Carolina Autism Society.

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.