Who was Arbennie Pritchett?

Arbennie Pritchett was born in Union Springs, AL on December 4, 1948. He passed on to be with the Lord on July 25, 2005.

Bennie started working for Okaloosa County as a Laborer at the Russell Stephenson Water Reclamation Facility Plant on Hwy 98, back on July 12, 1984. He worked his way up from Laborer, to Wastewater Treatment Facility Apprentice. After diligent study, he obtained his Class "C" Operators License in September, 1986. He obtained his Class "B" Operators License on May 1, 1990, and was promoted to Lead Operator for the facility in February, 1991.

During his time at the Russell Stephenson Plant, he maintained this facility with the utmost care; the grounds around the plant were always immaculate, and the plant was always operating at peak efficiency. Bennies hard work was rewarded with the honor of winning the Plant of the Year Award, from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in 1997.

He was genuinely liked by all his employees, as well as being a fine supervisor and trainer for new employees. Bennie was known for his work ethic and integrity. He always had time to talk to his fellow workers, sit and have a cup of coffee. Bennie was a man who would do anything for you if you were in need.

Bennie was a family man at heart. Bennie had a daughter, Jaclyn, 4 grandchildren, 4 brothers, 2 sisters and several nieces and nephews. Bennie was totally devoted to his mother, Nina. He was always there for her, whether it was taking her to the Doctors, or whatever she might need.

Bennie also loved to cook, and he certainly could. His southern style cooking would put a smile on anyone's face. Before working for the county, Bennie was a chef at a well-known Chinese restaurant here in Fort Walton Beach.

When it was time to talk and debate politics, you had better know your stuff. Bennie would go toe-to-toe with the best of them.

After 17 years of service, Bennie suddenly collapsed and died while on the job at the Russell Stephenson plant. He has been truly missed.

In honor of his dedicated service and the kind and decent man that he was, the new facility is being named in his honor. The Arbennie Pritchett Water Reclamation Facility will be a state-of-the-art water reclamation facility which will produce a high quality effluent and provide a high level of environmental protection. It will serve the Citizens of Okaloosa County in the same reliable and steadfast way that Arbennie served.

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