Bennie Joe Counts

Bennie Joe Counts, age 84, of Orange, Texas, passed from this life and entered his rest on Tuesday, September 1, 2020. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 11, 2020 at Dorman Funeral Home in Orange, Texas, with Mr. Michael W. Green officiating. Interment will follow the service at, Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange, Texas. Visitation for family and friends will be held before the service on Friday, September 11, 2020 from 9:00 AM until service time. Funeral services are under the direction of Dorman Funeral Home.

Bennie was born on July 15, 1936, in Borger, Texas, to Leveta Mae (Groves) and Ben L. Counts. He was a long-time resident of Orange, Texas, where he was known and loved by many. Bennie married the love of his life, Mary Ann (Hodge), on May 9, 1974. The couple shared 46 blissful years of marriage.

Bennie took his job seriously and set an example to his family of both a strong work ethic and dedication to his job. He spent many years with Phillips 66, beginning his career at their gasoline refinery in Phillips, Texas, then transferring in the late 1960s to their Carbon Black Plant in the Echo area of Orange, Texas, and eventually retiring as a Chief Operator from that Carbon Black Plant.

Bennie was a member of the Church of Christ in Mauriceville, Texas. Bennie and Mary were league bowlers for many years early in their marriage, where they developed many life-long friendships. They also enjoyed annual extended vacations to Colorado where they traveled and camped with their children and their friends. They thoroughly enjoyed the time to relax, sip coffee, visit with family and friends, and, “watch the mountains move,” as described by their youngest daughter, Donna.

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Leveta Counts, and also his sister, Patricia Fowler.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 46 years, Mary Ann Counts of Orange, TX. ; son Michael J. Counts and wife Lisa of Amarillo, TX. ; daughter Debra K. Heard and husband Bill of Odessa, TX. ; daughter Deanya A. Christy and husband Brett of Casper, WY. ; daughter Darla Green of Orange, TX. ; daughter Donna Sonnier and husband Eric of Orange, TX. ; son Rickey A. Green and wife Sarah of McDonough, GA. ; son Michael W. Green and wife Sherri of Lafayette, LA. ; 15 Grandchildren and 6 Great-Grandchildren.

Pallbearers to serve in honor of Bennie are: Adin Green, Joshua Green, Micah Green, Rickey Green, Slade Green, and Eric Sonnier.

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