of Harrison, AR
October 14, 1938 - July 24, 2021
James Bentley Martin passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 82 on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Ben was born on October 14, 1938, to May and C.E. Martin. Ben was preceded in death by his parents and one step-son, Adrian Adkins.
He was a graduate of Harrison High School, class of 1957, and was in the local construction business as a master plumber and general contractor for many years as the owner of Martin Construction Company. Ben's enduring legacy will live on in the Harrison community through his many schools, church, and business projects. In later years, Ben took up cattle farming on his farm in Bellefonte. On January 19, 2013, he married Sharon Lee Spradley, who was his loving wife until his death.
Ben was an active member of First Baptist Church of Harrison and also attended Men's Group at First Christian Church for many years. Ben had a passion for Razorback and Goblin sports, specifically football. He was an avid high school athlete himself and loved attending Razorback football games with his family. One of his greatest loves in life was quail hunting, and he also enjoyed pheasant hunting in South Dakota with his three sons. Ben was an accomplished snow and water skier and took his family on many ski trips together which became fond family memories.
Ben is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; one sister, LaVonne Martin; his brother, Bud Martin; his three sons Jeff, Joe (Michelle), and John Martin; and his step-daughter, Alice Terwege (Erich), Ben loved his many grandchildren, Jeffrey, Amanda, Cody, Allison, Dylan, and Travis Martin, and step-grandchildren, Adrian and Hannah Terwege.
Visitation was at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 28, from 6:00-8:00 pm.
A private family burial was held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ben to Arkansas Children's Hospital or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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13 Condolence(s)
David and Katie Norried
Friday, July 30, 2021
Sharon we are so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and the family.
Lowell and Debbie Williams
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Sharon, We are sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers.
Tom and Kaye Taylor
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Kaye and I are so sorry for your great loss.
Cloyd and Betty Baltimore
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Deepest sympathy to Sharon, his boys and their family.
Randy and Sarah Newman
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
May you feel God's presence surround you. May it give you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Randy and Sarah
Jim Wacaster
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Sending sympathy to you Sharon and the family during this difficult time. I always thought a lot of Ben.
Charlotte Turney Moore
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
My sympathies to Ben's family and friends. I remember Ben playing
Football in Harrison High. I did not see him much over the years, but could depend on Ben and Sharron
To be at class reunions.
May His wife, Sharron, his family and friends be blessed with loving memories.
Charlotte Moore.
Laurel Clagett
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
So sorry for your loss â¤
fred t woehl
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Ben had an impact on lots of folks......Prayers for family and friends.
Jerry L. Honey
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Sharon: So very sorry for your loss. May the Lord bless and keep you during this most difficult time.
Jerry & Bettye Honey
Mike McCoy
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Sympathy
Sara Jo Fendley
Monday, July 26, 2021
My sympathy to all of you. I thought a lot of Ben and enjoyed playing bridge with him and his friend from Branson. He shared some of that delicious phesant from one of his many hunting trips. He will be missed by us all.
JoBelle Williams
Monday, July 26, 2021
Prayers to Ben's family for God's peace and understanding.