Howard "Eric" Bennett, 91, passed away in Bartow, Fl. on Thursday, December 22, 2016. He was born on August 25, 1925 in Wauchula, Fl. He was a lifelong resident of Hardee County. Eric was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Wauchula, FL. He served in the United States Army and was in WWII. He worked as a farmer and rancher and was a grove owner.

He is survived by his nephew William Randy Roberts of Wauchula, Fl., Niece Susie Maddox Hull of LaBelle, Fl., Nephew Henry Maddox of LaBelle, Fl., Nephew Clyde Maddox of LaBelle, Fl., and several Great Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church Wauchula, Fl. 2:00 P.M. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time. Reverend Danielle Upton officiating. Interment following at Wauchula Cemetery.