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Samuel “Sam” Lee Wright
Samuel “Sam” Lee Wright, 85, of Benton passed away on April 18, 2026, and went to be with his Lord and Savior. He was born on January 11, 1941, to Gladys Brumley Wright and Gordon Wright.
Sam lived a long life centered around his family. He was a member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who leaves behind a legacy of love and strength.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Pat Wright, who is lovingly known by all as “Nana.” Sam is also survived by his three children: Anthony Wright (Gail), Jayme Coutcher (Scott), and Julie Blaylock (Jessie).He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Coleby Wright (Linda), Nikki Mills, Samantha Stogsdill (O.P.), Stetson Blaylock (Lindsey), Kip Mills, and Keeton Blaylock (Morgan). He was further blessed with ten great-grandchildren, Jett, Ace and Crew Garcia, Hudson and John Wright, Quinn and Wells Stogsdill, Kei, Linnie and Knox Blaylock with two more on the way and a brother Tommy Wright (Debbie).
He is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Marilyn LeQuieu (Robert) and Lucille Bagley (Joe).
Sam will be remembered for his faith, his dedication to his family, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him. His presence, guidance, and love will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Sam was no stranger to hard work. Truly a jack-of-all-trades, and a skilled mechanic who believed just about anything could be fixed with a little know-how. He was also a very skilled welder. He took pride in figuring things out and helping others, always willing to lend a hand when something needed fixing.
The family would like to thank everyone for their love, prayers, and support during this time. He truly loved his “girls” and guys at Perry County Rehab and Nursing Home and his Hospice care team. Your kindness means more than words can express. Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:00 AM Wednesday at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church
A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church at 11:00 AM. Ministers will be Bro. Bobby Goodknight and Dr. Michael Reese.
Jimmy “Sam” Mooneyham
Jimmy “Sam” Mooneyham of Benton, formerly of Greenwood, Arkansas went to his Heavenly home on Saturday April 18, 2026 at the age of 88.
Sam was born in West Texas, leaving home at 14 to go work on the Matador Ranch. Later he would move to Dallas becoming an electrician, and eventually made his way to Arkansas where he became well known for his announcing and auctioneering skills.
He had many accomplishments throughout his 88.5 years of life. He announced many rodeos and horse shows throughout his career, namely the Arkansas State Horse Show and Arkansas High School Rodeo, being named in the Hall of Fame for both. He also was the long time auctioneer for the American Ferrier’s Association, also being named in the Auctioneers Association Hall Of Fame. He was also President of the Saline County Fair Association Board in 1991. Being dubbed the Voice Of The Arena, he was known for his little remarks when announcing such as “hurry a little, ole shucks, or good to see.”
Sam is preceded in death by his parents, Fred & Hattie Mae Mooneyham, three sisters, and grandson Wyatt Allen Lawrence.
He leaves behind his son Brent Lawrence (Kayla) and their children Brayden, Audrey, Finley, & Karley; Step-Daughter Jennifer Kendrick (Jeff), Kody Kendrick (Paris), Step-Son Jason Kendrick (Jeanne), and son Eddie (Lorie) and their children Stacie and Melissa. He also leaves behind many great-children, nieces, nephews, and friends. We would also like to mention his friend Kevin, the Feedstore in Greenwood, and his daily breakfast buddies.
We would like to thank Elite Hospice for taking such great care of Sam. In true Sam fashion, he affectionately gave each one a nickname, and was sure to let them know who was in charge. Their kindness and compassion are unmatched.
Sam was a true cowboy, complete with starched clothes, boots, and a cowboy hat. He was big on manners and respect and always doing the right thing. If you heard “Here’s the deal..” you better listen closely because you were about to hear something good. He brought joy and laughter everywhere he went, even into his final moments. His quick wit, one line jokes, nicknames, and the ability to make you feel like you were his best friend were unmatched. He had a big laugh, an even bigger smile, and beautiful blue eyes that sparkled.
He will be missed by many, but we rejoice that we will see him again one day.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 at Ashby Funeral Home. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Sam Mooneyham Scholarship Fund at the Arkansas State Horse Show. Contact Pattie Lyons at 501-517-3458 to make those donations.
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Philip Ralph Oliver
Philip Ralph Oliver of Benton, Arkansas, passed away on April 15, 2026, at the age of 74. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on October 31, 1951, to Kermit and Pearl Oliver, Philip leaves a legacy of hard work, strong values, and love for his family.
Philip built a respected career as an insulator and was a proud lifetime member of the IAHFIAW Local 10 Union, contributing his skills to nuclear plants across the United States. Married to Betty Jean Oliver for 43 years, they raised three daughters: Kimberly Bearden, Lea Ann Turner, and Renea’ Luster.
Philip is also survived by his grandchildren, Joshua Luster, Bryce Luster, Mallory Forte, Braydon Reed, Emily White, and Zephyr Thompson, along with great-grandchildren Zoey and Violet Luster. He enjoyed crappie fishing, studying history—especially World War II and Vietnam—and following politics. He will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, strong opinions, and devotion to his family.
In keeping with the family’s wishes, services will be held privately. There will be no public visitation.
Randy Joe Welch
Randy Joe Welch, a cherished member of the Benton community and a dedicated educator who retired from Bryant Public Schools, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, in Benton, Arkansas. Born on January 8, 1959, Randy’s life was marked by a commitment to family, education, and community.
Randy was a beloved father to Nathen Welch, married to Heather, and Samantha Ellis, married to Benjamin. He took great pride and joy in his four grandchildren: Barrett and Patton Welch, and Zoey and Asher Ellis, who were the light of his life. His love and guidance extended beyond his immediate family to his siblings Frank Welch, James Welch, David Welch, Ronnie Welch, Bertha Steele, and Elizabeth Miller, all of whom held a special place in his heart. Randy was also fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews, who will continue to carry forward his legacy of kindness and generosity.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ethridge Welch and Irene Childress Welch, whose memory he honored throughout his life.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Randy’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and a life well-lived in service to others. May he rest in peace.
In Lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Cathy Lynn Weston
Cathy Lynn Weston, 65, passed away peacefully at 1:39 a.m. on April 18, 2026, at Encore Heart Hospital in Benton, Arkansas, with her loving spouse by her side.
She was born to the late Orville Godwin and Jeanette Blake of Buckville, Arkansas. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Don Godwin, Ronnie Godwin, and Joyce Crook.
She is survived by her devoted spouse, Charles Smith of Alexander, Arkansas, who never left her side and was a constant source of love and support. Cathy was a devoted mother to her children: Heather Farnam, Janelle Billings, and Luke Weston. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Corey Swope, James Swope, Memory Lopez, Ty Johnston, Harley Farnam, Dariann Farnam, Kaylen Farnam, Brittany Alexander, Samantha Alexander, and Shawn Alexander. Her legacy continues through her great grandchildren: Michael Jay, Athena, Daisy, Layla, Riley, Avien, Harlynn, Zaelyn, Brayson, Alexis, Noah, Aubree, and Nataleigh.
She is also survived by her siblings Diane Brumley of Florida, Doris Carter of Jessieville, Arkansas, and Earl Godwin of Mountain Home, Arkansas.
Cathy had a deep love for all animals and found her greatest joy in spending time with her family. Whether it was sharing meals together or enjoying family game nights, those moments meant everything to her. From the eldest to the youngest, her family was her pride and joy. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. Cathy found happiness in the simplest things in life and never asked for anything for herself, always choosing instead to give whatever she could to others. She never met a stranger, and every day in her life was an opportunity to create a lasting memory.
Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Cathy’s life during visitation on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas, with the funeral service to follow immediately at 12:00 p.m.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things will have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
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