George U Bennett

George Ulmer Bennett of Clemson, South Carolina, passed away on December 13, 2025. Born in Columbia, SC, he was the beloved son of Henry Glyn Bennett and George Mae Ulmer Bennett.

George graduated from Dreher High School in 1951, where he served as Student Body President and proudly represented his school as a delegate to Palmetto Boys State. He went on to graduate from Clemson College in 1955. During his years at Clemson, George was deeply involved in campus life as a member of Tiger Brotherhood, Student Government, Pershing Rifles, and the Central Dance Association. He was also a member of the all-male cheerleading squad and served as head cheerleader his senior year. While at Clemson, George and his father donated a small cannon that is fired after each touchdown—a tradition that remains a cherished part of Clemson football today.

Following college, George served two years in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Knox. After his military service, he returned to Columbia and began his professional career with Esso (later Exxon), working as a sales representative opening new service stations. His success led to several promotions, each bringing new opportunities—and new moves—for his growing family.

While living in Hickory, North Carolina, George met the love of his life, Nancy Leigh Moser. The two were married on July 30, 1960, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades. Their journey took them to Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, and eventually Tampa, Florida, as George advanced within the company. Along the way, they welcomed two children, Jeffrey and Bonnie.

When Exxon proposed relocations to Libya and later California, George chose instead to return to Clemson after receiving a letter from the university seeking an Alumni Field Representative. He accepted the position and moved his family back to Clemson, a place that would remain home. After four years as Alumni Field Representative, George joined the Athletic Department, eventually serving as Executive Director of IPTAY, Clemson’s athletic fundraising organization supporting student-athlete scholarships. He later led the athletic scholarship program at Vanderbilt University and served as Athletic Director at Furman University before returning to Clemson and IPTAY, where he remained until his retirement in 2004.

Retirement, however, did not slow George down. He “flunked retirement” and continued his service to Clemson as an ambassador for the Athletic Department, leading campus and athletic facility tours for visiting groups and sharing his deep love for the university.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, George was devoted to his faith and his community. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Clemson and believed deeply in service wherever he lived. George never met a stranger and delighted in building relationships, especially when they involved Clemson athletics. He loved attending sporting events with family and friends and took pride in Clemson traditions, including originating the practice of carrying $2 bills to away football games, and launching the Welcome Back Festival and the Tiger Cub Club.

George is survived by his wife, Nancy, and children, Jeffrey Glyn Bennett and Bonnie Bennett Dixon (David); grandchildren Megan Bennett Walters (Doug), Bennett Asbury Dixon (Hannah), Brooks Raffield Dixon (Alyson), Augusta Dixon Pomazal (Ivey), Austin Clayton Bennett (fiancée, Sierra Ellifritt), Alexander Glyn Bennett, and George Cameron Dixon (fiancée, Anna Larson Brady); and great-grandchildren Mosey Marie Dixon, Harvey Elizabeth Dixon, Georgia Mae Dixon, Bennett Asbury “Tuck” Dixon, Jr., and Amos Raffield Dixon.

Although George will be deeply missed by so many, it is with great joy that his family knows he is in heaven—wearing orange and teaching everyone to say, “Go Tigers.”

A memorial service to honor both George and Nancy will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in First Baptist Church of Clemson. The family will receive friends following the service.

The family would encourage anyone to wear their Clemson colors in honor of George's love for Clemson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to IPTAY, P.O. Box 1529, Clemson, SC 29633 or to First Baptist Church of Clemson, 397 College Avenue, Clemson, SC 29631.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.