about the candidate

FAMILY ROOTS IN PERRY COUNTY

My family roots in Perry County trace back to the late 1800s. Both of my late parents, Arthur and Mamie Bennett, were from Marion, Alabama. My mother, Mamie (Munden) Bennett, graduated from the historic Lincoln Normal School. Shortly after marrying, Arthur and Mamie Bennett moved to Michigan in 1953 and returned to Marion after retirement in the 1980s. My father started a bulldozing business and operated it until his unfortunate passing in 2002. My mother, Mamie, was actively engaged in Hopewell Baptist Church and served as the financial secretary of a ladies’ social club until her passing. As a child, our family visited Marion every year. I clearly remember shopping downtown on the courthouse square—those were special times.

WORK HISTORY & WORK ETHIC

My work ethic developed early. From 12 to 14, I delivered newspapers. At 14, I washed dishes at a restaurant until I was 16 years old. From 16 to 18, I worked as a stock clerk and cashier at a convenience store. At 18, I began my career in industry—working in assembly at Ford Motor Company, then moving on to Bendix Electronics, TRW Electronics, Marposs Gauges, General Dynamics, and Northwest Airlines before retiring from Delta Air Lines with 25 years of service. During my working career, my wife and I also operated a successful retail business for six years.

FAITH & FAMILY

Presently, I serve as an Executive Board member of One Church in Marion, AL. My wife, Donna Bennett, and I have been married for 43 years. After retiring from 25 years in the airline industry, she’s now an accomplished businesswoman, running Bennett Suites Airbnb and owning Bennett Book Shoppe. Together, we have two children—Melissa and Donald Jr.—and five wonderful grandchildren.

WHAT DEFINES ME

I’m a visionary who imagines and plans a future with original and creative ideas for improvement, and I’m willing to devote my time and effort to accomplish any goals set forth.