- Date Of Birth: October 4, 1938
- Date Of Death: May 18, 2021
- State: Texas
Bennie Frank “Candy Man” Cearley, 82, of Holland passed away on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at his home in Holland.
Bennie was born on October 4, 1938 in Temple to Benjamin F. and Thelma Lucille (Hipp) Cearley. He grew up in Temple and was a Temple High School Graduate. After graduation, Mr. Cearley joined the Air Force, later joining the National Guard before enlisiting in the US Army where he served for over 20 years, retiring in 1982 as a Master Sergeant. While in the Army he was deployed to Vietnam where he received numerous awards including the Bronze Star Medal.
After retirement, Bennie worked for the City of Holland until he retired again in 1992. He later worked for a courier service for several years before finally retiring for good. Mr. Cearley married Joyce Davis on February 14, 1958 in Temple and they were married for 58 years before she passed away in 2016. He was a Baptist.
Mr. Cearley was preceded in death by his wife Joyce; a son Frank “Bubba” Cearley, and a grandson Justin Cearley. He is survived by his sons Mike Cearley of Holland, Kevin Cearley of Holland, and Gary Cearley of Holland; daughters Cindy Rice of Holland, and Pam Atkinson of Georgetown; sisters Carolyn Lucas of Sherman, and Mary Hatsell of Temple. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
