Bennett Van York, Jr. the husband of Victoria Hopper York formerly of Barbourville, died Tuesday, August 13, 2013 in Calhoun City, Mississippi. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee to Dr. Bennett Van York and his wife, Nan Moore York. Bennett grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and was a graduate of Hattiesburg High School and the University of Mississippi, where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. Bennett was known for his brilliant mind and giving heart. A true gentleman and patriot, he was full of love for those less fortunate and in need. Bennett will be dearly missed by his wife, children, family and many faithful friends.

Bennett worked in real estate development, and among many other projects, was instrumental in the development and operation of an outdoor advertising company and many self-storage projects. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Bennett was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W.T. York of Derma, Mississippi and Paul M. Moore Sr. of Calhoun City, Mississippi. He is survived by his wife, Victoria Hopper York and son, Bennett Van York III of Chicago, Illinois; daughter, Mary Abigail York of Hattiesburg, Mississippi whose mother is Sonia Smith York of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; parents: Dr. and Mrs. Bennett Van York of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; grandmother, Mrs. Paul M. Moore Sr. of Calhoun City, Mississippi; sister; Susan Paige York of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; brother, John Tyler York and wife, Charlotte Sonnier York of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; his mother-in-law, Ann Hopper, of Barbourville,Kentucky; sister-in-law, Sally Louise Hopper Vidoni and husband, Norm of Eugene, Oregon nephews, Lars Thomas Losee and Oscar Vidoni; niece, Ella Nell Losee of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; niece, Anne Moore York of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; and many aunts,uncles and cousins.

Funeral Services for Bennett will be held Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church in Calhoun City, Mississippi, with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 pm preceding the service. A Celebration of the life of Bennett V. York, Jr. will be held on his 48th birthday, Monday August 26, 2013 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Canebrake Country Club, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Memorial Contributions many be made to Hub City Humane Society, Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Aldersgate Mission, Hattiesburg, Mississippi; or National Institute of Mental Health,Gift Fund in loving memory of Bennett Van York, Jr. This announcement is a courtesy of Hopper Funeral Home.