Ray Ford Benton

Ray Ford Benton, age 95, of Heart, Arkansas was born on January 8, 1922 in Frenchtown, Arkansas, son of John Allen and Ona Jane (Butts) Benton. He departed this life on November 10, 2017 in Salem, Arkansas.   Ford was united in marriage to Betty Estes on February 5, 1949 in Heart, Arkansas and to this union two children were born. Ford spent his working years as a carpenter and farmer. He served on the Salem School Board, Fulton County School Board, Farm Service Agency Committeeman and as a Director of Fulton County Conservation District. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He loved fishing, playing music and was a member of Burk’s Chapel Church of Christ.   Ford is survived by his wife Betty Benton of Heart, Arkansas; son, Michael Benton and wife Sherry of Benton, Arkansas; daughter, Marilyn Lee and husband Mike of Sherwood, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Robert Benton and wife Stephanie of Sherwood, Arkansas, Laura Cale and husband Dwayne of North Little Rock, Arkansas and Katelyn Lawrence of North Little Rock, Arkansas; three great grandchildren, Jenna Cale, Lindsey Cale and Brody Cale all of North Little Rock, Arkansas; sister, Earlene Zeigler of Heart, Arkansas; many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and three sisters.                                                                                         Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M., Monday, November 13, 2017 at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas with Ron Plumlee officiating. Interment will be in Burk’s Chapel Cemetery in Camp, Arkansas. Visitation will be 12:30 P.M. until time of service on Monday, November 13, 2017 at Barker Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Randy Zeigler, Charles Crowe, Kevin Pendergrass, Douglas Johnson, Amos Spencer and Larry Taylor. Honorary pallbearers are nephews. Memorials may be made to Burk’s Chapel Cemetery or Paragould Children’s home. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home of Salem, Arkansas.