William L. Benton

He was born October 8, 1921 in Chidester, AR to James Lewis Benton and Myrtie Margaret Purifoy Benton. Before retiring, Pete was a self-employed construction worker and heavy equipment operator. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran stationed in the South Pacific during the battle of Saipan and achieved the rank of Corporal. He was a member of West Side United Methodist Church in Camden.

Preceding him in death are his parents; his son, Terry Benton; brothers, Archie Benton, Edward Benton, Paul Benton and a sister Emily Thomason.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Mary Nell Swilley Benton; two daughters, Linda Fogle Victory and husband Jimmy of Smackover and Paula Silliman and husband Jimmy of Camden; daughter-in-law, Rita Benton of El Dorado; sisters, Lenora Shirey and husband Jimmy of Eunice, LA, Margaret Benton of Reader, AR; eight grandchildren, Eric Fogle of Camden, Jeremy Fogle and wife Melissa of Bentonville, AR, Shannon Tidwell and husband Earl of Camden, AR, Brittany Alexander and husband Johnathon of Camden, Shayne and Brooke Benton both of California, Tony Hooks and wife Lisa of El Dorado and Andy Hooks and wife Jenna of Benton and eight great-grandchildren, Braden Alexander, Jake Benton, Jett Tazan and Cameron, Becca, Russ, Henley & Will Hooks.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2011 at Lisbon Methodist Church with Rev. Larry Goza and Rev. Don Nicholson officiating. Burial will follow at Lisbon Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Westside United Methodist Church, 2211 Maul Rd., Camden, AR 71701 or Lisbon Methodist Church, 5870 Lisbon Rd, El Dorado, AR 71730.

The family will receive friends at the Victory residence, 107 West 14th in Smackover.