of Conway, AR
September 19, 1930 - January 11, 2014
Roy Benson, 83, of Conway passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2014. He was born on Friday, September 19, 1930 in Ripley, MS.
Mr. Benson was a coach for twenty years. He was a principal, superintendent, and then later worked for the State Department of Education. He was an avid Razorbacks and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He served his country in the Army and Army National Guard Reserve (Searcy Unit).
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Nell (Gibson) Benson; son, Nicky Benson (Penney); daughters, Tammy Berry (Rusty) and Regina Prothro (Tony); daughter-in-law, Ruth Hirschfeld; grandchildren, Kyle Benson (Amy), Kayla Dill (Daniel), Tiffanie Hearn (Brad), Jillian Hastings (Grant), Kody Prothro (Leslie), and Kaleb Prothro (Paige); six great-grandchildren; sisters, Myra Forbess of Atoka, TN., Carolyn Matthews of Tupelo, MS., and Sarah Britt of Ripley, MS.; and brothers, Wayne Reed and Charles Reed of Ripley, MS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John T. Benson and Emma B. Maddox; and son, Stan Benson.
Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at Crestlawn Memorial Park, Conway with Brother Don Chandler Officiating. Pallbearers will be Kyle Benson, Daniel Dill, Kody Prothro, Kaleb Prothro, Brad Hearn, Grant Hastings, Kenneth Gaylor, and Bobby Fortenberry. Honorary pallbearers will be L. C. Corbitt, James Weidower, and Doug Satterwhite. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., on Monday, January 13, 2014 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway.
Was so sorry to hear of Mr. Benson's passing. He was a good principal and an even better man. I know he is missed by many. I still remember one of his sayings that he shared with us often: brains over brawn, every time. He taught us to think a problem through for the answer, not just try to muscle on through.
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Benson's passing. He was always one of my favorites at RBHS. He also coached our summer softball team when I was a young girl too. Great coach. Prayers for the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Mr. Benson made a big impact on so many children lives, through his teaching and couching. I can still see that big smile he had for everyone. To Nell and all the family you will be in our thoughts and prayers in the weeks to come. We love each of you.
So sad to hear of Coach Benson's passing. So many good memories at Pangburn
school and all the basketball games. How the time has flown. Have thought about Coach and you Nell so many times. We lost a daughter last June and am still grieving and guess I always will. We have a granddaughter in kindergarten at Beebe schools. If your son Nicky stays at Beebe, I'm sure we will get acquainted. Remember him so well as a child and how every kid in school picked at him. Life goes by so fast & I'm very sorry you lost him, but God has better plans for us that we cannot imagine. You and your family will be in my prayers. I know you will have a huge void in your life. May God be with you.
Katie (Lindsey) Latimer #45
Regina and family ~ I am so sorry for all of you. I very fondly remember "Mr. Benson" as a great basketball coach! Ricky & I played b/ball at the house Sunday and i was telling him about him and how much he taught me. You all are in my prayers.
Dear Nell and Family,
We were sorry to learn of Roy's passing and extend our sincere sympathy. We remember the happy times we shared, and we trust your family will be sustained by the many wonderful memories of Roy. He was a true family man and friend. Our prayers will continue with you through the difficult days ahead.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. Know that we are thinking of you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mr. Nicky Benson & family. May God comfort you during this time.
Praying for the family as I have a lot of memories of Coach Benson as I remember so many ball games he coach. Was a great coach & a great individual. What a great family he has. May the Love of God wrap around each of you during this time.
Mrs. Benson, Nicky, Tammy, Regina and their families are in our prayers and hearts over the passing of Mr. Benson. I remember fondly the wonderful stories Mr. Benson sometimes shared with our class about his youth in Mississippi and how he once crossed paths in the Memphis area with Elvis before he was famous. His service to his country in the Army and the Arkansas Army National Guard is appreciated and respected. I hope the good memories helps your family deal easier with Mr. Benson's passing.
Mom and I are thinking of you during this sad and difficult time.
Debbie and Pat
My prayers are with you at this time. Mr. Benson was a great person. I will always remember that smile.
Nicky,
My prayers and deepest sympathy to your family and you in the loss of your father.
May God Bless You,
Rhonda
Nicky,
My prayers and deepest sympathy to your family and you in the loss of your father.
May God Bless You,
Rhonda
Sorry for your loss. He will be missed by serveral Arkansas National Guardsmen.
Kody, Leslie, and family,
Please know we are praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Family,
Mr. Benson was my coach in basketball and I really loved him. He was a very good coach. We knew when we had done something we were not suppose to. He was dedicated to you and to his work. He will always be remembered and loved. Gail
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Mr./Coach Benson. I loved that man deeply..and his family will forever hold a special place in my heart as well. I wish you peace and strength to help you thru the days and months ahead.
The folks at FBC Glenwood are praying for your family during this time.
Deepest sympathy, John and Lulu
Love and Prayers to this wonderful family! Will never forget Coach Benson and our Basketball days at Pangburn!
Our Love and Prayers to the Family
Roy was a great guy and will be missed dearly. I will never forget our trips to the races with your dad, Nicky. Our friendship and the friendship of our fathers is something I will always treasure. Win or lose, your dad was always a winner with a smile and a laugh for everyone! My thoughts are with you Nicky, your mom and sisters, and everyone whose life Roy touched and influenced.
We will always remember Uncle Roy! He always had kindness toward everyone. He had a big smile that warmed your heart!
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Coach Benson. The family is in mine and Nadine's prayers.
He gave me a chance and believed in me when others had passed me over. My prayers go out to all the family.
Sorry to read of my Coach passing.
You will be in our prayers
Richard and Nelda
Sorry to read of my Coach passing.
You will be in our prayers
Richard and Nelda
though we didnt get to see roy and nell often, they have stayed in our hearts----uncle roy was a special blessing to our families
I am so sorry to hear about Roy. He was a wonderful man and a wonderful brother. I am so thankful for the time we hade with him. We loved him so much and we are sure going to miss him. My heart goes out to Nell and you children and I pray that the Lord will be with you all and give you peace and comfort during this sad time. May the Lord be with each of you.