Thomas Guy Bennett

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Thomas Guy Bennett (Tom), age 88, on March 16, 2026, in Ashland, VA. We honor him and his exemplary service to his country, community, and family.

Born on April 24, 1937, in Washington DC, Tom was the son of the late Mildred Shockey Bennett and Vernon Guy Bennett of Vienna, VA. The eldest of five children, he grew up on a family farm. Living on the farm fostered an understanding and appreciation of the natural world, which he carried with him throughout his life. Tom graduated from Fairfax High School and continued his education at Lynchburg College, graduating in 1959. At Lynchburg College, he met and then married the former Jayne Wyatt in 1961. He attended graduate school at the University of Maryland until he was accepted into Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. In 1961, Tom graduated from OCS as a commissioned officer in the US Navy. He proudly served for over nine years in the Navy as a decorated Lieutenant Commander across four ships. He later transitioned to civilian life to establish a commercial nursery and landscape business. Bennett’s Nursery was successfully created and operated as a family-owned business in Vienna, VA, for over 20 years. In 2002, Tom and Jayne retired to their home on the Outer Banks, in Southern Shores, NC. Driven by his strong faith, Tom became an active member of the Caring Hands Ministry with Duck Methodist Church. In 2013, he was elected Mayor of Southern Shores, NC, and was honored to serve his community for two consecutive four-year terms, retiring in 2021. In his many leadership roles, he was dedicated, thoughtful, and committed to making a positive, lasting impact. In 2022, Tom and Jayne moved to Atlantic Shores in VA Beach, and later moved to Ashland, Virginia, to be closer to family. Tom was an avid outdoorsman and loved being on the water. Closest to his heart was time spent with Jayne, family, and friends.

Tom is survived by Jayne, his wife of 64 years, daughter Paige Wyatt Bennett of Ocracoke, NC (husband John Giagu, and their sons, Wyatt and Auggie), and daughter Whitney Bennett Hales of Ashland, VA (husband Robert Hales, and their children, Ila, Griffin, and Millie). He is also survived by his four siblings and their families: Gordon Bennett (Patricia) of Ashburn, VA; Anthony Bennett (Trew) of Berkeley, CA; Margaret Bennett Pavel of Sugar Grove, NC; and Pearson Bennett of Bethel, NC. Tom’s profound love for his family and pride in his children and grandchildren were evident to all. His legacy of leadership and service will live on through his loved ones and all who knew him.

A memorial to honor and celebrate the life of Tom Bennett will be held on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Duck Church, 1214 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949.

Share A Memory & Photo, Write a Condolence for Tom: https://www.virginiacremate.com/obituaries

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Tom’s name to Caring Hands Ministry with Duck Church in Duck, NC (duckchurch.org) or the Outer Banks Relief Foundation in Nags Head, NC (obrf.org).