12/19/2025
Due to the passing of Mrs. Nancy Bennett, the Memorial Service for George Ulmer Bennett will be scheduled at a later date when the family can honor both George and Nancy together.
Please check back to our website for the rescheduled service time.
George Ulmer Bennett of Clemson, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, at the age of 92.
Born in Columbia, George graduated from Clemson College in 1955, where he served as head cheerleader of the all-male team his senior year and was deeply involved in campus life.
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.
After serving two years in the United States Army at Fort Knox, George began his professional career with Esso, which eventually led him back home to Clemson.
He served as Executive Director of IPTAY, Clemson's athletic fundraising organization, and later worked at Vanderbilt University and Furman University before returning to Clemson and IPTAY, where he remained until his retirement in 2004.
But retirement never slowed George down. He continued serving as an ambassador for the Clemson Athletic Department, leading campus tours and sharing his deep love for the university.
He was known for originating the practice of carrying $2 bills to away football games and launching the Welcome Back Festival and Tiger Cub Club.
George never met a stranger and delighted in building relationships. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Clemson and devoted to his faith, his family, and his community.
He is survived by his children Jeffrey and Bonnie, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Although George will be deeply missed by so many, it is with great joy that his family knows he is in heaven with Nancy, wearing orange and teaching everyone to say, "Go Tigers."
The family encourages anyone to wear their Clemson colors in honor of George's love for Clemson.
Call us anytime at 864-531-7719