Here’s how the Beaufort community turned out to honor Nathaniel Bennett

Nathaniel Bennett, the downtown Beaufort fixture who both delighted and occasionally frustrated those who knew him, was laid to rest Tuesday at Beaufort National Cemetery following his funeral at Bethesda Christian Fellowship Church on St. Helena Island.

Bennett, a U.S. Army veteran and a longtime Beaufort resident, died Monday, Dec. 12, 2017, of causes at age 64.

As news of his death began to spread, many members of the Beaufort community took to social media to express their condolences and sadness. Many shared photographs and memories of interactions they had with Bennett.

Bennett lived in Bostick’s Adult Residential Car home on Duke Street, but was remembered by those who saw him around town asking for food money or a ride, but always with a complement or a kind inquiry about family members.

While barred from entering a number of local restaurants, the businesses nonetheless often left a meal for him outside or brought him something to drink.

More than 300 people paid their respects at his wake Monday night, according to Allen Funeral Home. While the viewing was not scheduled to begin until 5 p.m., a line started forming around 2 p.m. as residents waited to say good-bye.

During an interview with the Beaufort Gazette last week, Beaufort County Coroner Ed Allen described Bennett as a “Beaufort landmark.”

This story was originally published December 19, 2017 at 3:10 PM with the headline "Here’s how the Beaufort community turned out to honor Nathaniel Bennett."