Wayne Clyde Pelton
Wayne Clyde Pelton, 88, of Benton, left this world on Monday, April 29, 2024, to his Heavenly Home. Wayne was born in Benton on Sept. 27, 1935 to Garland and Anna Lee Pelton.
Upon graduation in 1953, he joined the U.S. Navy where he served four years. Wayne returned to Benton and married his sweetheart, Bettigene Rowland, and cherished her for 65 years. He worked at different jobs until he was able to secure a position with Alcoa Aluminum Plant and later retired after 30 years.
Wayne was a starting member of Saline County Striders Running Club and a faithful member of Spring Creek Missionary Baptist Church.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Fern Burruss and Edith Miller; brother, Don Pelton; and in-laws, Charles and Dorothy Rowland.
He is survived by his wife Bettigene Pelton; daughters, Waynette Chapman(eddie), Sue-ellen Pelton, Karla Ramsey and a bonus daughter; Melanee Lowe, all of Benton. He was known as “Popie” to six grandchildren, Amanda Ballard of Alexandria, La., Lori
Beth Powell (Will), Erik Coleman, Anthony Golleher (Leah), Mallori Howard (Timmy), Andy Smith (Skylar), all of Benton; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild arriving in August.
He is also survived by two sisters, Janie Lee Molock (Bob) and Reba Joan Mills (Dick) both of Benton, and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of his life will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Saturday, May 25, at Spring Creek Missionary Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory should be made to Spring Creek Missionary Baptist Church.
Roller-alcoa Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ bryant.
Fred M. Swaim Sr.
Fred M. Swaim Sr., age 87, of Benton, peacefully passed away on April 28, 2024. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.
Born to the late Guy and Jewell Swaim on Jan. 28, 1937, in Aly, Ark., Fred graduated from Fourche Valley High School in 1955, where he was a three-year letterman in basketball, earning the nickname “Fastbreak Fred.”
Shortly after graduation, he moved to Benton, beginning his career at Quality (Napa) Auto Parts as a delivery man until he was drafted in 1956.
During his seven-year service with the US Army, Fred was stationed at Fort Sill and Fort Chaffee as an artilleryman, earning an honorable discharge in June 1963 and returning to life in Benton and Quality Auto Parts.
Fred’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase Quality Auto Parts in 1966 and eventually expand his business to three stores, two continuing to thrive under his son, daughter, and son-in-law, carrying on his legacy. He was fond of his customers and strongly believed they are what build a business.
Winding down from his career with Napa, Fred found joy in farming and cattle, winning the Saline County Farm Family of the Year award in 1990. He cherished moments spent hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories.
Fred was a longtime member of Northside Church of Christ in Benton. He loved his church family, community, country, and the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Fred is preceded in death by his brothers, Joe Harold, Jim Bill, Larry “Dean,” and his grandson Jared Swaim.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Edith Swaim; son, Fred “Freddy” Swaim Jr. (Paula) of Benton; daughter, Cindy Beaty (Donny) of Paron; grandchildren, Justin Calhoun (Rosa) of Benton, and Rachelle Calhoun of Rochester, Minn.; great-grandsons, Morrison Seamon and Bodhi Calhoun of Benton; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as his beloved dog Zoe.
Honoring Fred as pallbearers are Bill Suggs, Bruce Rich, Brian Baker, Wayne Hill, John Lowe, Travis Swaim, and Jon Dunn; with JW Mobley as an honorary pallbearer.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Gentiva Hospice of Saline County and Pleasant Hills Senior Services for their care and treatment.
Visitation will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, May 6, at Northside Church of Christ in Benton, with services at 1 p.m.
Burial will follow at Forrest Hills Cemetery in Alexander.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Arkansas in memory of Fred M. Swaim
Sr.
Services entrusted to Smith-benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.