Paul N. Bennick

On Monday, December 2 at about 12:20 AM, Paul Nathan Bennick, of Ocean Isle Beach changed his residence from Brunswick County to his real home, Heaven. Paul was born on October 18, 1937 in Concord, NC to the Rev. Walter David Bennick and Myrtle Drye Bennick. Waiting to join him there were his parents, and his three brothers, Richard, Grady, Sr. and Boyce.

Paul married his childhood sweetheart, Betty Kirby on April 9, 1955, and God blessed their union with three children: Carol Bennick Bost, (Tim) of Winston Salem, David Franklin Bennick (Suzann) of Mt. Pleasant, and Chuckie Lynn Bennick of Charlotte. Their bonus son, Gene Nelson Whitley and wife Tara recently relocated from Arkansas and were instrumental in his care during the last year.

Paul was very proud to be called Paw-Paw, and Papa Claus by his two granddaughters: Jessica Bennick Raborn (Matt), and Laresey Bost Jones. His great-granddaughters are Cora Raborn, Ellie Raborn, Endyia Jones, Emani Jones, Harmeni Jones, Diamond Jones, and one new great-great granddaughter, Melani Worrell.

Also, to cherish his memory are two nephews, Johnny Bennick and Don Bennick. Becky Bost, Linda McDonald, and Sherry Benfield are loving nieces who adore their “Uncle Paul.”

Paul proudly served his country in the United States Navy and worked in law enforcement with the Kannapolis Police Department from 1968 until his retirement as Sergeant P.N. Bennick in 1989. He and his wife, Betty moved to Ocean Isle Beach where he enjoyed fishing and boating, as well as “playing” Santa Claus for years at many businesses, parades, and social events. He quickly became known all over the Brunswick County area as Santa Claus.

He thoroughly enjoyed singing and he recorded an album with a southern Gospel group which included his brother Boyce’s rich bass voice; they traveled many miles together and made memories for a lifetime.

Paul just valued people,and he loved to share police stories, fishing stories, and singing stories to anyone who would listen.

He was named “Policeman of the Year” in 1977 by the Pilot Club of Kannapolis, along with several other awards and recognitions during his 21 year career. He wore many “hats,” and had many names, such as Paw Paw, Papa Bear, and Papa Claus, but “Dad” was the best! He will be missed!

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 6,2024 from 12pm-1:45pm at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2pm at Hartsell Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. James Hash, Jr. Burial will take place in West Concord Cemetery. 

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Bennick family.