Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Mr. Benny C. Payne, age 79

Mr. Benny C. Payne, of Little Rock, Arkansas departed this life on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at the age of 79 surrounded by his loving family.

Benny was a faithful member of the Church of Christ his entire life. He attended the Airbase Church of Christ for 52 years in Newport and was a current member of Fairview Park Church of Christ after retiring and moving to Little Rock to spend more time with his Son. His devotion to his family and his unwavering faith in his heavenly Father carried him through his battle with cancer. 

Benny was born Jan. 22, 1942 in Newport, Arkansas, the son of Robert & Elaine (Hubbard) Payne. He had a great childhood in a Christian centered home and graduated from Tuckerman high school in 1960. He attended the University of Arkansas and Harding University where he learned drafting which proved very valuable to his future business success. In 1963 Benny married the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Georgia Bradley. In that same year he became a licensed electrician and in 1964 began a long career as an electrical contractor and owner of multiple electrical/electronic based businesses. One of his early contracts was designing and wiring the electrical infrastructure for the Newport Wal-Mart Store in 1969. He continued to bring innovative technology and services to Newport and the surrounding areas of Northeast Arkansas for 46 years. He concluded his career by owning a Radio Shack dealership from 1983 until retiring in 2010 and moving to Little Rock where he enjoyed his hobbies of drag racing, photography, woodworking, and his favorite was building and enjoying Hot Rods with his son Rodney.

Benny’s most important legacy for all, is his life example of serving God above all else.

Benny is survived by his wife, Georgia and one son, Rodney Payne, his wife Ashley, and two grandchildren Cheyenne and Kaiden of Little Rock. One sister Sherra Davenport (her husband Kenny and their children Julia and Jillian) of Newport.  Two sisters-in-law, Nomenia Dilday (children Wade, Brad, and Janaga) of Texas and Lucenia Whitehead (her husband Bobby and children Amy and Randy) of Cabot. One brother-in-law Paul Bradley (his wife Kim and children Jared and Tyler) of Bentonville.

Benny was proceeded in death by his parents Robert and Elaine Payne, Georgia’s parents, Boyd and Juanita Bradley, and one brother-in-law Gaylon Dilday, all of Newport.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 1, 2021 from 2-3:30pm at his home (Belgian Meadows) located at 20700 Lawson Rd, Little Rock.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made in Benny’s honor to Carti at https://www.carti.com/foundation/ways-to-give/

Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400

9 Comments

  • Jason McKeller Posted April 19, 2021 10:48 PM

    Benny will always be an ice cream in Louisville KY memory for me… I have learned a lot from Rodney…. Benny and Ms Georgia did a great job of raising a Rodney… I met Benny through the love for old cars the via Rodney and I are car guys… We lost a wealth of knowledge and he will be missed… Hope to see ya again someday I’ll have a 1foot tall I cream con in both hand 1 for me and the other to challenge you to… Your friend Jason

  • Skip Copeland Posted April 20, 2021 3:49 AM

    Go with God, Benny.

  • Brenda Barnes Posted April 20, 2021 9:04 AM

    Our hearts are breaking with you in the loss of Benny. . He will be missed. Praying that you can feel the loving arms of our Father comforting you. Praying for your strength, comfort, and peace.

  • Jerry Burchfield Posted April 24, 2021 7:57 AM

    Georgia, Rodney and the Payne family: I am saddened to hear the news of Benny’s passing but know his place in the Kingdom is secure. He was a personable, kind example to all who came in contact with him. We will be unable to be at the memorial but know that you’re in our prayers.

  • BILL K PROVENCE Posted April 30, 2021 5:56 PM

    Benny and I were in the same class, we rode the same bus. I remember the bus picking
    Benny and his little sister (Sherra) up in Campbell Station. I know Benny will be missed.

  • Dennis Carrow Posted April 30, 2021 6:48 PM

    Such a powerful, quiet, compassionate hand he led with.. He serve the Lord in many ways. Powerful positive influence in my life. Thank you Benny

  • Lanelle Crawford Posted April 30, 2021 8:00 PM

    Benny was such a great example for everyone…. I always thought he was a modern day Paul and Barnabas rolled into one…Looking forward to seeing him in heaven…my love and prayers are with Georgia, Rodney, Sherra and the rest of the family.

  • Doris Reynolds Posted May 1, 2021 7:02 AM

    I met the Bennie when they moved to Little Rock .It seemed as if I have. Know them forever they were like family, my heart 💜 aches for their lose ,my prayers for all of you, and prayers for only sweet memories today añd always, much love, Doris Reynolds

  • Michael S Nelson Posted May 1, 2021 8:52 PM

    Our prayers and sympathy for the family.

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