Mr. Arthur Reginald Bennett Jr., of both Norfolk and Machipongo, died in his home surrounded by his loving family on Nov. 28, 2025.
Reggie was a collector of many things, including books, decoys, coins, and art. Known for his vast collection of books and deep historical knowledge, he was always quoting a favorite author or telling an obscure fact about American history, such as that America’s symbol of independence from Britain, the Liberty Bell, was actually created in England in 1751. It was a firm rule in the Bennett household that no one was to call between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m. during the week because that was “Jeopardy” time, when Reggie got to show off his “borderline genius.”
And while he loved his collections, he loved his family more, especially his devoted wife of 52 years, Linda, who passed in 2023. He is survived by his three children, Regina King (Chip), Reggie Bennett III (Becky), and Jeffrey Bennett; as well as his granddaughter, Emily Washburn (William) and great-grandson, Bennett Washburn.
In Reggie’s last few moments, his two-year-old great-grandson, Bennett, was at his side, and as Reggie took his final breaths Bennett smiled, waved, and said “bye-bye.”
The family would like to extend a special thanks to The Dedicated Care Center, Bliss In Home Healthcare, Right at Home, and Reggie’s caregiver, Ms. LaShawn.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Attn: Membership Department, 6 Herndon Ave., Annapolis, MD. 21403 (https://secure.cbf.org) or The Sertoma Club of Norfolk, https://norfolksertomaclub.org
Services will be held on the family farm, Tara, in Machipongo on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 11:30 a.m. Please contact Emily Washburn for the address, 757-318-1947.
