Clarence Benton

Clarence Russell Benton of Benton, Arkansas passed away at the age of 87 on Sunday, August 16, 2020 after a lengthy illness.  He is survived by his wife, Barbara Benton of the home; his children:  Evelyn Champion (Rusty) of Hickory, NC, Susan Benton Wilson (Gene) of Charlotte, NC, Elaine Tucker of Hickory, NC, Clarence Benton II of Conover, NC; his stepdaughter, Laura Long (Dana) of Hot Springs, AR; and his brother, Elbert Benton of Charlotte, NC.  He has four grandchildren, one step-grandchild; seven great-grandchildren, one step-great-grandchild; plus his special pet, Homer, the cat.  He is preceded in death by his mother, Donnie Pons; his father, Ralph Benton; and infant, Claude Dempsey Benton.  Clarence was born on September 28, 1932 in Morganton, NC.  He graduated from Morganton High School in the class of 1950.  He served in the US Army during the Korean War.  Upon leaving the Army, Clarence spent the entire remainder of his working career serving his country full-time in the North Carolina Army National Guard where he achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4.  He also came to Arkansas several times as an instructor in the PEC program at Camp Robinson.  Upon retirement, he moved to Benton, AR where he belonged to the American Legion, Calvary Baptist Church, and the P & B Hunting Club.  He enjoyed hunting (especially deer), playing golf, competing several years in the Senior Olympics, reading, bird watching, camping, and playing cards with his friends.  He had a sweet spirit, a kind smile, and fierce courage, all of which earned him the title of “Bonus Dad” from his stepdaughter, Laura.  He taught his children respect and the value of a good day’s work by the example he set.  He would make pancakes the size of a dinner plate for his children on Saturday mornings.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 21, 2020 at Pinecrest Memorial Park.  Visitation will be held thirty minutes prior to service at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

The family would like to thank Kristi and all the nurses and caregivers at Pleasant Hill Care Center and Saline Hospice for all the wonderful care and attention he received.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.