Obituary of Thomas Bradley Bennett

Thomas Bradley Bennett, Sr. (Tom) was born on October 23, 1949 in Jackson, Mississippi to the late Henry G. Bennett and Marie Lee Bradley. He was the sixth of eight children. The Bennett family moved to Baltimore, Maryland in search of opportunity for a better life when Tom was young. He received his early education in the Baltimore City Public School System, graduating from Lombard Junior High School and Baltimore City College High School. He later matriculated through the Baltimore City Community College. Growing up, Tom was a fierce competitor in basketball, baseball, and track. He had a very determined attitude. At an early age, Tom was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes but he never let the diagnosis impact his zeal for sports and interest in competing against the kids in his neighborhood. Tom used his active lifestyle and battle with diabetes as a way to encourage others to endure and live a prosperous life despite his health challenges. When he wasn't playing sports, you could catch Tom watching the Ravens and Orioles on television. In addition to those activities, Tom enjoyed playing chess, listening to music and spending quality time with his family. Tom was known to be a "smooth operator," the epitome of cool and a true gentleman. His wardrobe reflected his style and he took pride in dressing for any occasion. These qualities in addition to his charismatic personality and love for good conversation led him to the love of his life, Eleanor Brandon, affectionately known as Dee Dee. They were childhood sweethearts, and over the years their puppy love grew into an unbreakable bond of true love. Tom and Dee's bond was sealed when they married in July of 1978 at the Southern Baptist Church. Tom and Dee were married for 44 years and were inseparable. They prayed and worshipped together, which is the glue that made a perfect bond of marriage. In their past time they enjoyed dancing, dining and they even shopped together. (In reality, Dee shopped and Tom carried her bags). In 1984, they became parents to Thomas Jr., (Tommy) who was Tom's pride and joy. He shared his love for sports with Tommy, helping him to develop into a competitive athlete, a follower of Christ and a man of integrity. Some of his fondest memories were watching his son compete in Little League, on the basketball court through high school, and on the track in college. While Tommy had coaches throughout his career, Tom would always make sure his voice was heard and recognizable no matter how loud the crowd was. Often times, Tommy would ignore his coaches' advice and listen to his father's voice at his games. Whether the outcome was a win or a loss, Tom always imparted to Tommy to play with passion, have fun and show good sportsmanship. Tom gave his life to Christ at an early age and had an unshakeable faith in God. He was affectionately called 'Deacon Bennett' among his family and loved sharing the word with anyone and everyone who would listen. He grew up attending First Baptist Church and later became a life-long member of Southern Baptist Church in Baltimore. When his health permitted, he regularly attended service and bible study and made it a point to be present in the sanctuary, regardless of how early it started. Those who encountered Tom would leave with a bible verse or a passage with an inspirational message. He would always say: "Make Jesus your best friend! If you carry Him in your heart, He will never leave you!" Serving as a provider and possessing a strong work ethic were two things that were extremely important to Tom. He was employed at the United States Postal Service (USPS) in Baltimore where he began his lengthy career as a Letter Sort Mail (LSM) clerk. His easygoing nature and "gift of gab" made Tom very likeable and respected among his co-workers. Tom retired from the USPS with distinction. Tom lived a very full life and after battling a lengthy illness, God called Tom to be with Him on September 16, 2022. He will be remembered as a loving husband, passionate father and a devoted follower of Christ. He was preceded in death by the late Henrietta Bennett (sister), Troy Bennett (brother), James Bennett (brother), and Darlene Bennett (sister). Tom's legacy is carried on by his devoted wife, Eleanor; loving son, Thomas Jr.; two sisters, Hattie Marie Scrivens and Marlene Bennett; two brothers-in-law, Matthew Brandon (Geraldine) and Norman Taylor, Sr.; two sisters-in-law Denise Brandon and Tanya Tanner (Carl, Sr.), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.