of Little Rock, AR
February 2, 1935 - December 4, 2021
David Benjamin ''Ben'' Craft, Jr. of Little Rock passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the age of 86.
Ben graduated North Little Rock High School in 1953 and in 1955 married Jackie Sims with whom he celebrated 66 years of marriage. He worked as a lineman and eventually an assigner for Southwestern Bell, from where he retired. In his younger years he also served our country as a member of the 153rd Infantry of the Arkansas National Guard.
Music was Ben's first love which led him to share his beautiful bass voice with thousands of people over the years. He participated in many choirs and quartets including the senior boys quartet at North Little Rock High School. He was later a member of ''Joe Roper and the Melody Boys'' then the Venable Quartet which entertained television audiences every week in the late 50's, early 60's. He was an active member of the Rackensack Folklore Society for nearly 50 years where he was well-known to perform and write funny songs. Ben continued sharing his talent and gifts through the years as director of music at Rosedale Baptist Church and First Baptist Wakefield, both in Little Rock. As a man of strong faith, for many years, he not only taught Sunday School but was a Deacon of the Baptist Church and always served in many capacities wherever he chose to worship.
With a love of the outdoors, Ben was an avid hunter and loved to fish, spending many hours in the woods and on the lakes in Arkansas.
Ben is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jackie Sims Craft, his son David Craft, III (Cindy) of Little Rock, his daughter Melanie Craft Cook (Kevin) of Texas, 5 Grandchildren, Laura Millspaugh (Andrew), David Craft, IV (Katherina), Jeff Craft, Wyatt Cook (Kaitlin), Holly Cook, and 5 Great Grandchildren, Claire and Patrick Millspaugh, Sawyer and Samuel Cook, and Sophia Craft. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benny and Iva Craft, half-brother Billy Belcher, and brother Jacob ''Jay'' Craft, and brother-in-law Jerry Sims.
Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be 12:30-1:30 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
A favorite memory came to mind when Ben sang a song he wrote for our school reunion at Cove, AR.
He was such a talented man and such a special person. Jackie is my cousin and my heart goes out to her and the family.
Well Dad, you had a service that was very fitting for you. Brother John (Venable) gave a wonderful message, as we knew he would. And, as usual, you didn’t disappoint and did a great job with the music…bet you never really considered you’d be singing at your own funeral :D Mom will be fine. Your boy has really stepped up to the plate and taken great care to make sure she has a nice place to live. I know you have to be proud of him. I sure am.
Thanks for everything dad. You’ll be missed but we all take comfort in knowing you are being the best Ben you could have ever imagined. No more pain, jerking, shaking, falling, or confusion. Enjoy the new pep in your step and the smoothest bass voice ever. You’ve earned it. Love and fond memories always.
“Puddin’â€
We are so sorry for your loss. Ben’s voice was truly a blessing. How he used that beautiful voice for God was another blessing. Greg & I loved hearing Ben sing at Rosedale. He will be greatly missed, but heaven has received a man that truly loved & served his Lord. Our prayers are with you all during this time.
Ben was a special friend. He and Miss Jackie were always such a fine example of what Christians, Americans, and family should strive to be. Ben treated my son with such kindness and respect. He helped Donavann see what a man should become. I am so thankful to this family, I can't wait to hear Ben singing to our lord in Heaven, I bet that is a site to see!
Very kind man . I always felt valued around him & respected. He never complained about his difficulties . I saw Jesus in him.
Ben was a special friend whom we met through ‘Young at Hearts’ at New Life Baptist Church. We enjoyed hearing him sing the gospel. Our thoughts and prayers for Jackie to find peace and comfort in the days ahead. Much love, Bill and Donna Homesley
Sending love and prayers for peace and comfort for the Craft Family.
I can't make it to his funeral! (Jacky, you understand why) Ben & I were in homeroom from Jr. High to High School.
Love Mackye Lee
So sorry for your loss. Ben will be missed. Take one day at a time. Prayers for the whole family.
No more longing for Beulah Land. I draw great strength in knowing Ben is standing and walking in that beautiful place. See you soon.
Prayers for the Craft family as you grieve this great loss.
Kids, I hurt for you all but I rejoice with my Brother in his home going. Because of my health, I will have to mis the memorial services but my prayers will be with you all. with all my love, Bill Duvall
Mr. Craft was a good man and father figure you could count on when you needed help. He was there for me when I broke my arm and I know I wasn’t the only kid in the neighborhood he took care of in a moment of need. My parents spoke highly of Mr. Craft. He was well-respected and will be missed. God bless.
So many memories of Ben singing.
Jackie and family, so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for y'all.
Our prayers for the family. May your dad continue watching over his friends, and family from heaven.
Jackie, am so sorry to read about your loss! Having lost my Jim 5 years ago I certainly understand! Sending Love and prayers for you and your family!
Mrs. Jackie,
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts. Mr. Ben will be greatly missed.
Craig, Robin and Joey
Ben Craft was a very dear friend of mine for many years as we first met as members of the Arkansas National Guard in 1955. I didn't know until about fifteen years ago that Ben was married to one of my classmates at North Little Rock Senior High, Jackie Sims. Ben and I got together again when we met at one of the class reunions for class 1955 and have stayed in touch since. My wife, Linda has also been good fr4iends with Ben and Jackie for many years through her parents and their church. A very good friend, Ben will be missed by all of us. Rest in peace, Ben, we love you.
Melanie, Mrs. Craft and David: I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. Craft. I have always thought so much of him. Lots of great memories of running into him at the store and visiting after we moved from the neighborhood and being at your home when Melanie and I were young. I know you are going to miss him so much. Love and prayers for you all.
Ben was a very kind man who also had a great sense of humor! He’ll be missed.
He was a good friend, musician and great character that we will all miss. GODS child that we will reunite with in heaven someday. Sad in our lonesomeness but happy in Christ for knowing him and blessed that he is with our Lord!
Lealon
David so sorry for your loss. Lisa and I will keep the Craft family in our thoughts.
Ben I have known you for the biggest part of my life, since I was 16 years old. All through the years our paths crossed and we picked up right where we left off.
God is with you and you are in a great place. Jackie will be fine. Jackie and I will stay in touch as old friends do. You had a wonderful and long life together, that most people don’t get to have. God will watch over all your family for you. So you have gone my friend and left behind wonderful memories of love, peace, and joy.