Bennie Lee Simon, of West Haven, CT, passed away July 3, 2016. He was born January 20, 1954 in Mitchell County, Georgia. He was the son of the late Curtis Dowdell and the late Corine Simon Burkes. Bennie was raised in Tampa, Florida by a devoted uncle and aunt, J.T. and Bridget Simon who preceded him in death. At an early age, Bennie confessed Christ and joined New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa. In 1972, Bennie joined the US Navy and served during the Vietnam War period, receiving an honorable discharge in 1976. He was employed by General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, CT for over a decade while residing in New London. He was most recently employed by the West Haven Veterans Affairs Hospital.
Bennie was unique, loving and wise beyond his years. He is survived by family in Connecticut, and four special sisters; Gloria McCray, Shirley (Calvin) Graham, Sandra (Wallace) Cooper and Jennifer (Charles) Brimberry, all of Pelham, GA. Seven nephews; Johnny Jones, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, Brandon Burkes of Valdosta, GA, Wallace Cooper, Jr. of Albany, GA, Kenneth Cooper, Rodney Jones, Clifton McCray and Charles Brimberry, Jr. all of Pelham, GA and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.
Bennie was laid to rest by his family in a private ceremony at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown CT.
