Paul L. Denton

Paul Lee Denton of Mayflower, died Saturday, April 6, 2019, at age 78. He was
preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Sybil Denton; his brother, Richard Denton; and his
sister, Sherry Bullard.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bobbie Denton; his children Valerie Denton
(Micah) and Carl Denton; grandchildren Jacob Denton (Tracy), Alexandra Denton, and India
McFarlin (Matt); three great-grandsons, Ben, Lane, and Leo; and several beloved nieces,
nephews, cousins, and other family members and close friends.
Paul began his career in the radio and television industry in the 1960s, and in 1968
opened an advertising firm, The Denton Agency. He and Bobbie operated the agency for 35
years, and specialized in the advertising and promotion of family entertainment shows such as
Ringling Brothers Circus, Ice Capades, the Harlem Globetrotters, and Disney on Ice at venues
in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama. They also promoted several musical
acts, including Kenny Rogers and the Oak Ridge Boys. However, the venture that Paul was
proudest of was his creation in the 1980s of Denton Attractions, which produced Marine Expo,
the Arkansas RV Show, and the Hot Springs Boat & Tackle Show, all of which continue to be
produced to this day. The shows perfectly combined his love of the outdoors and business.

As much as he loved business, Paul also loved spending time with his family. He
coached baseball and softball for his children’s teams and his competitive spirit was ever
present. He managed to teach seven-year-old boys to execute a double steal, and was
memorably ejected from a teeny-league girls softball game for arguing a call at home plate. He
was also competitive at his favorite hobby, fishing, and once placed second in a national
striped-bass tournament. But he enjoyed the relaxing side of fishing as well, and loved
teaching the grandchildren and great-grandchildren to fish from the pier of his home on Lake
Conway. Family picnics and gardening were also his favorites, and he loved to gather as many
relatives and neighbors as he could on holidays and other occasions to cook and play games.
His home-grown tomatoes were greatly anticipated each summer.

After he and Bobbie retired, much of his time was spent caring for other family
members or neighbors who were sick or elderly. He was always generous with his time and his
strength, which only failed him in the last month of his life. He will be dearly missed by all who
knew him.

A family graveside service will be held in Russellville, Arkansas, at a later time. To sign the online guestbook, click “Add a Memory” at: www.griffinleggettconway.com