of Marion, AR

February 2, 1961 - March 11, 2024

''Buster'' Raymond Hurley Benton was born on February 2, 1961 in Memphis, Tennessee and was raised in Turrell, Arkansas. He was a long-time resident of Marion, Arkansas.

Buster passed away in his home surrounded by family on March 11, 2024.

Buster Benton was predeceased by his mother Emma Lee Benton and his father Raymond Lee Benton.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mrs. Cindy Benton, his daughter, Elizabeth Casey Fonticiella, and his three sons Brooks Lloyd Benton, Buster Ray Allen Benton and Wesley Carter Benton. He had two grandchildren that he loved dearly, Armando James Fonticiella and Elizabeth Sofia Fonticiella. He had two sisters Sheila Williams, and Debbie Marlett.

From a young age, Buster excelled both athletically and academically. As a young man, he enjoyed many pursuits. Buster played baseball, football, basketball, and ran track in high school for the Turrell Rockets. He also spent a great deal of time hunting and fishing, two hobbies he continued for the rest of his life.

Graduating from high school, Buster went on to continue his academic and athletic career at Arkansas State University, where he played baseball for the Indians and got a degree in education. He always remembered his time at Arkansas State as some of the most fun he had ever had.

After college, Buster quickly found himself at Marion High School. This would be his home for the rest of his career. In the classroom, Mr. Benton taught history, physical education, and drivers ed. Unable to stray too far from the athletic facility, Buster was a pillar of Marion's Junior High and High School athletic programs. He served as a coach in the football, basketball, baseball, softball, and golf programs, enjoying a great deal of success in each. His greatest triumphs, however, were not games won on the field or court, but they were molding countless boys and girls into great young men and women. These were his biggest victories.

Having served four decades in this role, Buster hung up his hat and his whistle and retired, electing to spend more time with his wife and children. Although he was no longer a member of the athletic staff, Mr. Benton still watched the programs he helped build with great pride.

In whole, Coach Benton lived a beautiful life doing what he loved. He was a loving husband, proud father, and undoubtedly one of the most loved and respected coaches this town has ever seen.

Family, friends, and others whose lives he touched are invited to attend Roller-Citizens Funeral Home at 201 N Pine St, in West Memphis, Arkansas at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. March 18, 2024. There will be a grave site service at Crittenden Memorial Park shortly after.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com