Bennie L. Maness

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Service Schedule
Memorial Service
First Christian Church of Sherwood
2803 E Kiehl Ave, Sherwood, AR 72120
Sherwood, AR  72120
Saturday, March 23, 2024
2:00 PM
Cemetery
Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery
1501 W Maryland Avenue
North Little Rock, AR  72120
I served in the Navy.
Bennie L. ManessI am a Veteran.

of North Little Rock, AR

December 12, 1925 - March 20, 2024

Bennie Leo Maness was born December 12, 1925 and grew up in the Great Depression, which would shape his life as so many around him. He passed away peacefully with family surrounding him and was Promoted to Glory on March 20th, where he joined his wife, Betty.

He served during WWII as an Electrician Mechanic in the engine rooms of the USS Indiana battleship, from the battle of the Philippine Sea to Tokyo Harbor the day after the surrender ceremony. In between, were two major typhoons, battles for numerous island chains including Iwo Jima and Okinawa and preparations for a land invasion of Japan. After the surrender, his ship took 900 prisoners of war and returned them to America, he and his fellow crewmembers often giving their own sleeping quarters away to the former POW's.

His Father decided that working on the new-fangled automobile would be a good plan, so Ben grew up working as an auto mechanic with his Father for car dealerships and garages across Little Rock. His Father and future Father-in-Law ran gas stations and repair shops that he grew up with and worked in. He managed the Round Top gas station just prior to the interstate system bypassing it. He worked as an Industrial Supply salesman for 33 years for Mill & Mine Supply. He serviced many corporate manufacturing clients and loved to share his latest joke with them. He attended LR Junior College School of Law, (now Bowen), earning a Juris Doctorate degree. He was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Big Rock Masonic Lodge and First Christian Church of Sherwood.

He provided safe spaces for many of his grandchildren and kept their cars going at the bargain price of free!

He loved his family and is survived by daughter, Donna Rountree, (Greg); five grandchildren, Mysti Drinkwater (Drew), Dever Norman, Caleb Rountree (Laura), Alesha Martin (Steve), Mary Polk (Scot); 12 great grandchildren, James Norman (Caeley), Olivia & Natalie Norman, Ben, Wyatt & Jordanne Drinkwater, Hollis Patrick, William & Max Polk, Sydney & Caleb Martin.

The Family would like to thank his friends at Hardees, with special thanks to Ron Taylor and John Parker and his friends at VFW post 9095 with special thanks to Ronnie & Rose Curtis and Chris Parents and thanks to the wonderful people at Hospice Home Care, especially Ashley and Suzette for their devoted care.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, March 23rd at 2:00 at First Christian Church on Kiehl Ave in Sherwood.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to First Christian Church Sherwood, the VFW 9095 or any veterans support organization.

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7 Condolence(s)
Kathleen Rea
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, April 11, 2024

I enjoyed Bennie’s cheerful smile. I was always glad to see him at Fox Ridge when I came to visit my mom and uncle. You could see his warm heart. I will miss him.

Ronnie and Rose Curtis
Paron, AR
Liked
Sunday, March 24, 2024

Donna and Gregg, we are so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed getting to know Ben and you and Gregg. Ronnie looked forward getting to see him on Friday nights and exchange jokes. We will miss him and hope to keep seeing you and Gregg.????

Dean Williams
CONWAY, AR
Liked
Saturday, March 23, 2024

Just thinking of all of you missing Ben and all his wit, humor and quiet laughter. I will always count Ben as a wonderful friend. Getting to know him at church at Conway where Donna was pastor. Deepest sympathies.

Patsy Keller
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, March 23, 2024

Ben was very special. He alway had a wonderful smile and a friendly twinkle in his eyes. I never heard one of his jokes but was pleased to get a happy wink or two.

Jim Schulten
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Friday, March 22, 2024

Donna I’m so sorry to read of your father’s passing. Knowing you, I’m certain he was a wonderful man and obviously did a wonderful job in inspiring those around him.

Jay Farrior
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Friday, March 22, 2024

Ben was the most courageous and kind man that I have ever known. God bless you Ben.

Charles Paul McDaniel
The Villages, FL
Liked
Friday, March 22, 2024

I didn’t know the man but did the daughter, and he did well… I pray peace and comfort along with the love of God surrounding the family…. Donna till that day comes when you are united again with your parents… Much Love and Affection Paul (Robin’s baby brother)