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Submitted: 4/8/23 • Approved: 4/9/23 • Last Updated: 4/12/23 • R1480598-G0-S3
February 29, 1932 - November 8, 2014
Ben H. McCurry, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, left this earthly home to go to his heavenly Father on November 8, 2014, at Life Touch Hospice in El Dorado.
Born in El Dorado on February 29, 1932, Ben was known as one of the best golfers in the state for many years even after his retirement. His second love was his amateur radio operation. Licensed as N5NR, Ben assisted many people in the U.S. in locating loved ones during times of crisis and made many connections and friendships with people across the world.
Preceding him in death were his father, Woodrow McCurry and mother, Carnel Campbell McCurry; and his biological mother, Pauline Murphy Walker.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn McCurry; one daughter, Kay Hardin (Scott) of El Dorado; one grandson, Matthew Moore of St. Louis MO; one granddaughter, Emily Anne Moore of Memphis, TN; a brother Frank McCurry (Elizabeth) of El Dorado; half-brother, Warren Walker (Diane) of Bastrop, LA; half-sister, Mary Garrison (Ed) of South Carolina; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ben attended Yocum School as a child and graduated from El Dorado High School in 1950 where he was a member of the Wildcat football team. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for four years, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. During the Korean War, he flew 30 combat missions over North Korea serving as a radio and Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) operator on a B-29 aircraft. He was awarded an Air Medal for his service and after leaving the Air Force, held on to his love of being a radio operator. After discharge from the Air Force in 1954, he enrolled in the University of Arkansas and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He graduated in 1958 with a Bachelors Degree of Art with a major in Economics. Ben entered the insurance business in El Dorado in 1958 and at retirement in 1995, he was the owner of McCurry and Associates and co-owner of McCurry-Van Ness Insurance Company. As a general agent for the Travelers Insurance Company, he was Arkansas agent of the Year eleven years. He was also a member of the Honor Guard and National Leaders Club for travelers. In Ben's golfing career, he won many tournaments locally and in Arkansas, both individually and with his long-time partner, John Bell. In 1988 and 1989, he and his partner, General Rupert Burris, won the Arkansas Senior Four Ball Championship. Ben joined Second Baptist Church (now Cross Life Church) on April 3, 1949, where he served as a deacon and was instrumental in establishing the Television Ministry which led to the present day broadcasts that are seen internationally.
Funeral service will be at Young's Chapel in El Dorado on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at 10 a.m. with Dr. Dwain Miller and Rev. Don Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Cemetery under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors.
Visitation will be at Young's on Monday, November 10, from 5-6:30 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Kenny Oliver, James Matheney, Jr., Steve Gwin, Robert “Bob” Brown, Jr., Jimmy Goad, Ronnie Orr, Ellis Glover, Joshua “Bo” Rumph, Mike Graves, and Austin Bollen.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Town House coffee Club and the 19th Hole Bridge group.
Memorials may be made to the Cross Life Television Ministry, 1010 Combs St, El Dorado, AR 71730, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital., 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105
Contributed on 4/8/23 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1480598