John Bennett Dalzell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Bennett “Bennie” Dalzell, 70, on Friday, March 21, 2025. A long-time resident of Gulf Shores, Alabama, Bennie was Kentucky born and bred.

Bennie was a shining light in the lives of all who knew him. His journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, and an unwavering faith in God. Born in Paris, KY, he graduated from Lafayette High School in Lexington, KY, in 1972, and from Eastern Kentucky University in 1976. After many adventures in Kentucky, North Carolina, Florida, and Bermuda, Bennie began his career with Publix in 2001. In 2008, he was part of the team that opened the Orange Beach, AL Publix, where he served as store manager until his retirement in 2022. His passion for Publix was matched only by his fervor for the University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball. Bennie was also a proud and active volunteer for Baldwin County United Way and Youth Reach Gulf Coast.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Jr. and Betty Dalzell, his sister Diana Banks, his brother Frank Dalzell III, and his feline walking companion, Simba.

He is survived by his brother-in-law, Barry Banks, his niece, Beth Dalzell, of Toledo, Ohio, his nephews, Michael Banks, Mark Banks, and Zack Dalzell, all of Lexington, Kentucky, and his adorable kitties, Buttercup and Gidget. Special thanks to Barry, to dear friend Michaels Nehls, and to many other loyal friends for being with Bennie at the end.

Bennie was a beloved son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, friend, and colleague, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love and fellowship. His absence will be deeply felt, but we take comfort in knowing that he is in the presence of the Lord.

A Celebration of Life service to honor the wonderful life of Bennie Dalzell will be held on Saturday, May 3rd, at 2:00 PM at The Gulf in Orange Beach, 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL.

To honor Bennie’s memory, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Youth Reach Gulf Coast (youthreachgc.org) or Gulf Coast Tiny Paw Rescue (gulfcoasttinypawsrescue.org).