David Lee Croft

David Lee Croft, 61, of Benton, AR passed away November 11, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. He is now at rest in the presence of his Lord and Savior and many loved ones. 

David was born December 13, 1960 in Little Rock, AR to Thomas Henry and Rose Ellen Ricker Croft. He was a 1979 graduate of Bauxite High School. 

David married Tina Carol McCool on June 6, 1986. During their 36 years of marriage, they raised three children, Christopher, Mallory, and Connor and had many amazing life experiences together. 

David spent more than 20 years in the automotive industry, and was most recently the General Manager at Crain Kia in Sherwood.

The greatest joys in David’s life were his loved ones. When he loved, David loved big. His reach was felt by his wife and children, as well as countless other family members and friends. He made everyone he encountered feel special and was always prepared to help anyone and everyone that needed it. 

Some of David’s best memories were made sitting in the stands of a Benton Panther basketball or Arkansas Razorback football games. He loved to share his passion of sports with his family and was known to breakdown the week’s previous game with anyone he came in contact with. He also enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren to Harpswell, Maine, where he spent many summers with beloved family members.

David was a member of First Baptist Church in Benton. Here he created a special bond with many of the church’s members and staff. He always enjoyed sending words of encouragement to these friends daily and never hesitated to share the love of Christ whenever possible.

David was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Henry and Rose Ellen Ricker Croft.

He is survived by his wife, Tina McCool Croft; children Chris Croft (Heather) of Newnan, GA; Mallory Jones (Grant) of Benton, AR; Connor Croft (Abby) of Benton, AR; grandchildren Emma and Eleanor Croft of Newnan, GA; Whitley and Palmer Jones of Benton, AR; brother Scot Croft (Tommye) of Bryant, AR; along with many other loving family members including his “brother” Kevin Mustain (Raye) of Benton, AR.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 17, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Selph Hall in Benton, AR officiated by Clay Cunningham. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N Market Street, Benton, AR 72015.  Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or First Baptist Church, Benton.