Benny "Ben" Sanders

​ ​Benny “Ben” Sanders, age 74, of Hot Springs, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2022. 

Born Benny Brown, he was the son of Oscar and Versa Roberts Brown, farmers outside of Pine Bluff. After his mother lost her life-giving birth to him on February 22, 1948, his father’s sister, Jena and her husband John Robert Sanders adopted him. Life was always an adventure for him until he met Linda Sue Rundel, from Stuttgart, and knew she was the love of his life. They were married June 28, 1968. Ben was preceded in death by both parents; two brothers, Glenn and Lonnie Joe Brown; and one sister, Virginia Mae O’Neal.

Ben was a graduate of Pine Bluff High School in 1967 but liked to skip classes and go fishing. He began his young adulthood in the automotive service industry, which moved his family to many cities, and finally to the beautiful Hot Springs, AR. Looking back, it seemed he liked moving, maybe because he liked to fish in different lakes. Later in life he decided to pursue his true love and calling as a fishing guide.  He started his own business and named it Arkansas Stripers (some people thought he meant Strippers). He quickly gained friends with similar love of the sport. He was a member of the Lake Ouachita Citizens Advisory Group and was also one of the founding members of the Lake Ouachita Striped Bass Association. He loved to take kids fishing and his love of catching a fish was passed on to the people who went on the trips, as there were many days, he wouldn’t leave the lake unless they caught at least one fish.  His last guide trip was in October of 2019, just a week before he began his fighting journey with cancer. 

Ben was a Christian in his faith. He loved spending time with his wife, Linda.  He was known as “Papa Ben” by his grandsons, Ben and Brandon Loyd. They enjoyed spending time with Papa Ben riding 4 wheelers, talking and frequenting the smoothie shop. His greatest joys in his life were his children, grandchildren, close friends, fishing, watching the St. Louis Cardinals, and being in the woods where nature would energize his soul. He made countless friends throughout his life and will be missed by all.  He most definitely takes a big piece of our hearts with him.

Ben was an active member of his home community, Diamondhead. He recently served as President of the Property Owner’s Association and later stepped down to serve as a Board Member after his continuous battle with cancer. Over the years, he developed amazing friendships with many and was adamant about making Diamondhead a great place to live.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Linda Sue Sanders, he was lucky to have her. He left two daughters, Karen Loyd and Paula Gonzalez of Hot Springs; grandsons, Brandon and wife, Hailey Loyd and Benjamin Loyd. Ben also left a son, Russell Hobson, who married Vicki, with grandchildren, Katelyn and Kennadie Hobson, Madison, Dylan, and Lilly George. He left two brothers, Elmer Brown and wife, Mary of New Edinburgh and Raleigh Gene Brown of Malvern. He left behind three sisters; Betty Larson of Searcy, Linnie Fae McNabb and Estell Hardy of Pine Bluff. Ben was also close with his three brothers-in-laws and their wives, Rick

and Sherry Jones, Jack and Sandy Holderman, and Gerald and Glenda Ann Bednar; his grand dog and best pal for the past three years, “Bear”, along with a large extended family.  Ben had a blessed life. He admitted he was a sinner; he repented and got to know the Lord on a deeper and more personal level. He was never one for sentiment, but he wanted you to know that if he owes you a Fireball, you can find him in Heaven, he will gladly allow you to buy him another. 

We would like to welcome family and friends to his Celebration of Life, Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 2:00pm in the Diamondhead Banquet Room where we will have a biodegradable balloon release in his honor. The address is 110 Independence Drive, Hot Springs, AR  71913.

Honorary Pallbearers are Rick Jones, Terry Brodnax, Michael Kincannon, Dave Lindhag, Dave Cochran, Ron Waymack, Gail Taylor, Stevie Smith, Alan Miles, Tina Miles, David Draper, Martha Lindvall, and Joel Tyner.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Muldoon, Tiffany McConathy, and Genesis Cancer Center.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, Friends of Lake Ouachita, Inc. or to his loyal companion, Bear’s favorite, Hope for Paws Rescue in Lonsdale.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.