Dr. John N. Bennett

Dr. John Neyle Bennett, known affectionately as "Doc," passed away peacefully at his home on August 29, 2026. Born on January 27, 1938, in Colleton County, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Dr. William Marshall Bennett and Annie Neyle Langdale Bennett.

A proud graduate of Clemson University, Neyle went on to earn his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). He dedicated his professional life to medicine as an OB/GYN, practicing at Lexington Medical Center until his retirement. Over the course of his distinguished career, he had the profound honor of delivering over 8,000 babies, leaving an indelible mark on thousands of families in his community. Before his long career in private practice, Captain Neyle Bennett served his country with honor as a medic in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His service reflected the character and dedication he carried into every facet of his life.

Beyond his professional achievements, Neyle was known for his dry sense of humor and his deep love for his family. He cherished spending time at his lake house on Lake Murray, taking his children out on the boat to water-ski or ride around the lake, and maintaining the long-standing family tradition of summer vacations on Edisto Island. He was never happier than when he was soaking up the sun on the beach surrounded by those he loved.

Neyle is survived by his loving wife, Earle Bennett; his children, Mary Katherine Anderson (Mike), Susan Louise Bennett, and John Neyle Bennett, Jr.; and his stepchildren, Tuck McConnell (Kathy), Lee McConnell Cox (Eric), and Joe McConnell (Amanda). He was the proud grandfather of Wesley Kaminer (Stephanie), Kristopher Anderson (Shelby), and Matthew Lever; step-grandfather to Caylee, Reese, Riley, Olivia, and Barns McConnell, and Annabelle, Aiden, and Jacob Cox; and great-grandfather to Harley Lever, Matthew Lever, Waylon Reavis, and Owen Anderson. He is also survived by his siblings, William (Billy) Marshall Bennett, Jr. and Ellen Lumpkin.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Elizabeth (Liz) Bennett Lever, 1965-2003, and his sisters, Elizabeth (Betsy) Bennett Moody, 1941-2016, and Jeanne Marshall Bennett Neumann, 1948-1980.

Doc will be remembered as a dedicated physician, a brave veteran, and a devoted family man whose legacy lives on through his family and in the thousands of lives he helped bring into the world.

Visitation will be held at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, S.C. 29073, on September 14, 2026, from 6 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, send donations to the Alzheimer's Association .