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.
Sign Guestbook
58 Condolence(s)
Karen anderson
Monday, March 18, 2024
I am grateful that my daughter had the privilege of playing for this man. He taught those girls more than just athletics and they are better people people today for having known him.
Vearlene Williamson
Monday, March 18, 2024
Coach Benton, had such a quiet and gentle spirit!!!!
Love and Prayers for this family!!!!!
l am sending hugs to the Benton family!
Marty Riley
Monday, March 18, 2024
Coach Benton was a great man and a great coach. He cared about his athletes and students. He was passionate about everything that he did. Everytime I saw him after high school we told each other we loved each other. I count myself fortunate as so many here have said to have known him. We had great men as coaches Melvin Brown, Bill Cook, Eric Hart, Jason Lawrence,Bob Kirby, Roger Fortner, John Scaife, Jeff Hall, David Horton, Dusty Duncan and the list goes on and on. Those men and others are led me to pursue the profession. I pray I impact a small fraction of the people that Buster Benton and all those others did. God Bless your family Cindy, I planned on attending today but my father has entered hospice himself. The world is losing two great men this week! Love everyone…Patriot Pride!
Jane Russell
Monday, March 18, 2024
Coach Benton was a wonderful man and an inspiration to all who knew him. Our prayers are with his family at this sad time.
Bo McElya
Sunday, March 17, 2024
My condolences and prayers to Buster's family. He was a great guy and will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. RIP Buster, and fly high.
LaShundra Ware-Garrett
Saturday, March 16, 2024
I pray that God gives this family the strength to withstand this moment. The memories of your kindness, guidance, and wisdom will be cherished by many forever. Rest in peace, Coach. You may not be with us in body, but your legacy as a teacher/coach lives on in all the lives you've touched. Your impact will not be forgotten. RIL Coach Benton
Robert Compton
Friday, March 15, 2024
Praying for the benton family may God bless you all.
Tammie Catt
Friday, March 15, 2024
Buster was one of my best buddies at Turrell High School. We graduated together in 1979. We had our own friend group and we spent a lot of time together. I am saddened by his passing. Prayers for the family.
Tammie Catt
Class of 79
Turrell High School
Sara Hall Gardner
Friday, March 15, 2024
I have nothing but fond memories of Coach Benton. I grew up living next door to his parents. He was a man's man coaching all of us silly girls and he handled it like a pro. He would yell so loud during our games, it's been over 25 years but I can still hear him yelling plays out. Rest in peace sir your work here is done. Prayers for all his friends and family who will no doubt miss him terribly.
Andrew McGee
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Coach Benton, you will be missed! Thank you for everything you taught me on and off the field. You were a true leader of men. Prayers to the family!
Cathy Hall and Steve Hall
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Cindy,
What an amazing man. Great memories at Marion from sports to drivers Ed. Then working with you and finally our kids playing ball together. He always had a kind word for Steve and I, and will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Albert Fonticiella
Thursday, March 14, 2024
One of the most fortunate person I have been blessed to know.
I will always be blessed to know he was instrumental in my family.
Blessing us with his love, and compassion .
Cindy, Casey, Buster, Carter. Little Armando , Elizabeth and the rest.
Thank you coach, our family is grateful and love yours.
Andy and Anna Rawls
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Cindy, Brooks, Lil’ Buster, Carter, Casey and family,
We loved and admired Buster so very much. He coached our boys in various sports and taught Abbie to drive. But more than that he helped teach our children so much more. He was such a sweet and kind man that never met a
stranger and took time to ask about our family every time we saw him. In recent years we kept up either by visits he made to school or our texts checking in on him. We will always have fond memories of him. May God surround your family as only he can in the coming days and provide the comfort that you need.
Much love!
Andy and Anna Rawls
Niya Blair Hackworth
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Coach Benton was such a nice man. I’m so glad that I had him as a coach/teacher. I’m praying for you all.
Paul mengarelli
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Much Love to the Family-A Good Man He Was
Jason and Pam Lawrence
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Coach was an incredible friend and mentor when I first started teaching and coaching. Whether it was get togethers after Friday night home games, a round of golf, or an occasional duck hunt, time spent with Buster was always special. Pam and I always appreciated the kindness and support given by Buster and Cindy. Your family is in our prayers.
Shari Moore
Thursday, March 14, 2024
I don’t remember this myself, but I’ve been told, when Buster and I were visiting our grandparents’ house—we were probably about five or six—he apparently dumped dirt on my head and rubbed it in real good. My mother was not happy, to say the least. My hair was below my waist at the time, so washing it was quite the chore.
Rest in peace, dear cousin.
Mary Speidel
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Coach Benton was a wonderful colleague at MHS. He was always there for me when I needed help or advice. I am praying for all of you.
Lauea
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Coach Benton was one of my teachers in school for a few years almost 30 years ago. I loved being in his classes. Sending prayers to his family.
Elizabeth ( Liz ) Kitsinger
Thursday, March 14, 2024
My thoughts, Prayers, and Love are with Cindy and the family. May God wrap his arms around you and the family during this difficult time. Buster was a pleasure to work with as faculty members at Marion High School. He was a wonderful co-worker and teacher to all students and faculty.
Billy Woods
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Buster was without doubt one of the finest men I’ve known in my life. As sports editor of the local paper I covered many games he coached. And in so doing I developed a friendship with him. He was so versatile as a coach that he could get his players to play for him. And I think that was the biggest quality he had. His kids loved him and respected him so much, that they would go to war for him. I’m so saddened by his passing. I will surely miss him
Rhonda Goodfellow
Thursday, March 14, 2024
My condolences to Cindy and all your children. I am so sorry for your loss.
Natalie Hyman Martin
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Coach Benton was a wonderful basketball coach, mentor, and friend. I am so sorry to hear about his passing. He helped shape me into the person I am today. He supported me all throughout my high school career that I went on to becoming a coach. I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.
Love,
Natalie Hyman Martin
Glen and PatsyFoster
Thursday, March 14, 2024
I thought and prayers are with you all!
Johnny and Cynthia Lucas
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Always liked talking to Buster. Praying for Cindy and Family.
Buster will be missed.
Bill & Bridget Wyatt
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Sending love and prayers to all the family. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Gary Cordell
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Buster had one of the best baseball minds that ever talked with. We would share stories and ideas on how to play the game of baseball. I had the privilege to officiate some of his basketball games when he coached girls and boys. We also talked a lot about golf when was golf coach and played a few rounds together at Marion Golf & Athletic Club. There will never be another man like Buster, I’m thankful that I knew him as a competitor and friend.
RIP Coach Benton your the best
GOD BLESS your family during this difficult time
Debra Turk Johnson
Thursday, March 14, 2024
I had the opportunity to meet Buster while attending school in Turrell, Arkansas Buster was indeed a great classmate(1979)
Our thoughts and prayers will be with the family
Debra Turk Johnson
Originally from Turrell Arkansas
Plymouth Minnesota
Kimberly Wiley
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Cindy, it sounds like you were married to a wonderful man. You and your family are in my prayers
Tim Espinoza
Thursday, March 14, 2024
What a great guy and the BEST coach at Marion during all his year. I Umpired many baseball games for him , truly man of class , job well done my friend. RIP
Brett Provost
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Buster was one of my favorites. I learned to play football under him and came to love the sport because of him. I was fortunate enough to be able to introduce my son to him following a 2019 baseball game at Valley View. His memory was as sharp as a tack even after 27 years. He quickly retorted something along the lines to my son "do you talk as much as your dad " He will be missed.
Harriet Francis
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Cindy, I am so so sorry to hear about Buster. Thinking of you and your family. He left a wonderful legacy for you and his kids. Remember the great times ya’ll had and draw from those memories.
Love, Harriet
Debra Marlett/ Jerome Sullivan
Thursday, March 14, 2024
What can I say but you will be missed for ever. You were such a great brother. Kept Sheila and I on our toes. Never a dull moment with you. We will be greatly missed. Loved out talks text and visits. Gone way to soon. Rest in Peace my dear brother until we meet again.
Shawna Rhinehart
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Cindy, I am so sorry. I will keep you and your family lifted in my thoughts and prayers.
With love, Shawna
Randy Collins
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
What a great Coach and Mentor. I was one of many that he touched on and off the field. Rest in Peach Coach. Prayers for the Family
Suzi Parnell
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Praying for Cindy and the family. He was a great man.
Jojo Miller
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Coach Benton always had a great attitude and a smile on his face. Some of my fondest memories are playing football for him.
Thanks Coach…
Gary Harlow
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Cindy and family. I am totally shocked reading this, my heart goes out to you all. I was very found of Buster and you and the kids. I will pray for the comfort of our Lord to come over you, especially now..
May God be with you and for sure I will be praying
Alvin and Diane Fraley
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Cindy and family we are so sorry for your lose. We both had the pleasure of growing up with Buster at Turrell he was a great person, and yes he was an alsome ball player especially playing baseball . We had really good times together back then, may God give strength to you and your family thru this hard time RIP buddy you will always be my number 1 catcher
Missy Bius
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Sending Cindy and his family hugs, love, and prayers. May God wrap his arms around each of you.
DeWayne Rose
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
We love you, Coach B. You are one of the great ones! Thank you for the lessons. May Gods peace be with you!
Michael and Cheryl Allen
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Cindy and family, I am so sorry about your loss. Our prayers are with your family. May God embrace you with love and comfort.
Melvin Brown
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Told Buster, that there isn't a Coach Brown without Coach Benton. In my first year as a high school basketball coach we didn’t win a game. In 1989,1992,1993, conferences championships. The players loved him!
On games where we would spend the night, I was able to sleep, because they were in his room playing cards. Best Assistant coach, I have ever had! I was truly blessed having Buster as my assistant.
Cindy, Casey, Brook, Little Buster, and Carter. Wonderful husband and father and grandfather, he truly loved all of you
Teresa and Keith West
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
He had a heart of gold! My son Bradley West use to come home in his years at Marion and speak highly of him. When I got to have conversations with him you could hear the Joy he had just being a part of the young peoples lives watching them grow. His mentorship excelled into teaching a lot of young men being the best they can be! We thanked him several times for always being there. When he retired I was so happy for him to be able to enjoy that time with his family. I know everyone missed him but his legacy will live forever! Our hearts are with you all!
Tishelle Aughenbaugh
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Coach Benton was always one of my favorites at MHS. He was a great mentor, always kind. Prayers for his family.
Alicia Gurley
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Prayers for y’all! He was definitely one of a kind! Great man!
Dwayne and Andrea Hicks
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss! He had a huge impact on everyone he encountered. Always kind and smiling! He will be greatly missed by so very many.
Dena Forbus Webb
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Remembering Coach Benton would be extensive as he was just a good person. I remember when he first came to Marion to teach. I was lucky enough to be in his geography class in high school. My prayers for peace and comfort will be with you all during this extremely difficult time.
Beverly Moore
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Cindy-May the God of all comfort hold you and your family close. May you feel His love and power as you face the days ahead. May you experience His peace, the peace that passes all understanding. May the Resurrected Christ bring you hope in the midst of this sorrow.
Kevin Sharp
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Coach Benton was 1 of a kind! A great coach and even better man! Buster was always kind to my family! Rest Easy Coach!
Bob Alberson
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
He’s the reason I’m a coach. Always had a smile on his face. He knew how to get every ounce out of us in a game. Always loved that I could call him and bounce coaching ideas off of him. He will forever have a place in my heart. My condolences to the family.
Matthew and Candace Glass
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Cindy and Family,
I am so so sorry. I think I speak for everyone in the graduating class of 1995 at Marion-in saying that Coach Benton was everybody’s favorite. I was fortunate enough to be taught and coached by him. He was just the coolest down to earth guy. Your family will be in my prayers.
Andy Luttrell
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Prayers for Cindy and her family. Coach Benton was a great gentleman and mentor to all kids at the Marion School District.
From,
Andy and Sherri
Melissa (Ballard) Wheatley
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Benton family I will be praying for you. It breaks my heart knowing that such a good man has left us. He was one on those people that helped shape my life. I only wish peace and comfort to Mrs. Cindy and the kids.
Jane Hartley
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Cindy and the boys; May God wrap His loving arms around each of you and give you peace and comfort!
Barry Lumpkin
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Wonderful man! He will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him!!
Billie and Paul Ginn
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Sweet Cindy , boys and Casey’s family . I’m so very sorry to hear of this . Please know I am praying for peace and comfort for you all in the weeks and months to come. Praying you all feel the lord’s presence. God bless you all !
Hope you all know I sure loved getting to work with coach , we literally just talked about 8 maybe 10 days ago. Blessings to you all.
Carole Sampson