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Bennie Lee Wester, 90, of Satsuma, Fla., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at his residence.

The funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Ivey Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Scarborough officiating. Interment was at Roselawn Memory Gardens. The family received friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com

Bennie was born in Blountstown, Fla., lived most of his life in Bainbridge, Ga., and had been a resident of Satsuma, Fla., for 8 years. He was a graduate of Bainbridge High School with the class of 1949 and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from The University of Georgia. After serving in the U. S. Air Force, he transitioned into the Air National Guard where he continued to fly F-102 jets. He retired from the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller in 1975 with 15 years of service. He continued his career owning and operating Wester Realty, Century 21 in North Jacksonville, Fla. He was an active and diligent member of the Masonic Lodge and Shrine Club in Jacksonville. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working on boat motors.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bettye Batchelor Wester; a son, Bennie Wester, Jr.; a brother, Thomas Henry Wester; a sister, Betty Self; and parents, Rufus and Minnie Wester.

Survivors include his son, William T. “Bill” Wester of Satsuma, Fla.; his daughter, Janet W. (Keith) Butler of Glen St. Mary, Ga.; his two grandchildren, Brian Butler (Savannah), and Lauren Austin (Scott); his four great-grandsons, David, Trevor, Scott, and Easton; and several nieces and nephews.

Ivey Funeral Home, 502 S. Scott Street, Bainbridge, GA 39819 is in charge of arrangements.