Jonesboro - William Albert Bennett, 76, passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at St. Bernard Medical Center.

He was born June 20, 1941 in Little Rock to the late Albert and Beatrice Dutton Bennett. He had a bachelor's of Bible and Religion from Ouachita Baptist University and was an ordained Baptist Minister. He proudly served in the United States Army and was present in1962 when the Berlin Wall Crisis took place.

Through his work with the Human Development Center, in cooperation with Senator Blanche Lincoln, created a workshop for people with an IQ of 17 or less. It was the first of its kind in the state and still continues today. He also conceived and implemented the "Pecan Orchard" at the Jonesboro Human Development Center that still provides income to the workshop.

He is survived by his children, Carl Bennett of Jonesboro, Tina Kornblith (Kevin) of Glen Ellyn, IL and Barry Bennett of Fayetteville; a brother, John Bennett (Hilda) of Austin, Texas; a sister, May Cook of Tucson, AZ; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death his wife, Hannah Bennett and a son, Roy Bennett.

A memorial service will announced at a later date at Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home.

His passion was helping those who could not help themselves!