William Robert "Billy" Bennett

William 'Billy' Robert Bennett born June 28, 1945 died Sept 4, 2015 Family called him Robert, at work he was Bill - close friends called him Billy. He went to work in the xray department at Orlando Regional Medical Center after graduating from Edgewater High School. He was a darkroom tech, transporter, and 'go-fer'. He bowled in the hospital league with his brother and sister-in-law for years. After 28 years, his job was fazed out and he transferred to Environmental Services (housekeeping). He worked at the hospital a total of 37 years. He left there and worked in the kitchen at Westminster Towers where he retired at the age of 65. He was known as the 'King of Orange Avenue' since he lived in town and rode the bus everywhere he went. The bus pass worked really well for him. He enjoyed shopping, eating at his favorite restaurants, and visiting with his many friends. He could strike up a conversation anywhere with anyone. You just felt comfortable around him. Even as sick as he was, caregivers often commented about what a great patient he was and some even referred to him as their 'best patient'. He loved to collect baseball caps and his friends would give them to him as gifts when they returned from vacation. His apartment at Magnolia Towers faces the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and he gave frequent updates to residents and guests as to the status of construction. Loved to go on 'outings' (day trips on the bus) with other residents. A favorite was the Fantasy of Flight Museum. His stature may have been a little short (only 4'11") but he had a great 'heart'. Read devotions twice a day - better than most I'd say. Very private person - never heard him complain. Always putting others first. Became a diabetic after his by-pass surgery several years ago. Loved his cat Sadie. To him, a special treat was eating a pulled pork sandwich and baked apples at Smokey Bones Restaurant. Bob, his coworker (at ORMC) and best friend of over 40 years treated him as 'family'. Holidays and birthdays were spent with Bob's wife and their parents. He refers to 'Billy' as his 'little buddy'. Raised by maternal grandparents who moved to Orlando in the 1950's.

William Robert "Billy" Bennett

June 28, 1945 - September 4, 2015