Obituaries
Wayne Bennett, 76, went to be with the Lord Feb. 1, 2024.
Wayne was born in Hot Springs on Dec. 1, 1947, to L.E. “Shorty” and Rosie Bennett.
He attended Lakeside High School, where he played trumpet in the band and graduated in 1965. He graduated from Henderson State University in 1971 with a degree in chemistry and biology and was a member of the ROTC Pershing Rifles.
He grew up working for his family’s business, Shorty Bennett’s, and continued serving the community through Bennett’s Auto Service and Towing with his sister, Linda, and brother, Mark, following Shorty’s death in 1979.
He met his wife, Debbie, and they married on Nov. 5, 1983. They were happily married for 33 years and had two daughters, Sarah and Kathryn.
Working with his dad, he collected many cars over the years and was a charter member of the National Street Rod Association.
He was a longtime member of the Hot Springs Executive Association and served on the advisory board for National Park College’s career academy automotive program.
Wayne always had a joke or clever quip to share with customers and friends. People often stopped by the shop with questions for Wayne about their vehicles — opting to “Wayne it” instead of “Google it.”
Wayne is preceded in death by his wife, Debbie, his parents and his brother, Mark.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Sarah (Zach) Miller and Kathryn Bennett; his grandson, Bennett Miller; his sister, Linda (Greg) Bright; nephew and nieces, John Bright, Beth Reed and Aubree Impson; and many cousins, friends and loyal customers who became friends through the years.
Weather permitting, the visitation will be an informal car/ motorcycle/tow truck show at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at First Baptist Church. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite ride in Wayne’s honor. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wayne Bennett Memorial Fund at any Bank OZK location benefiting students pursuing a career in automotive technology.
The family thanks the staff at DaVita and CHI St. Vincent for their care
Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home.
Online condolences at http:// www.hotspringsfh.com.
VIRGINIA R.C. BUCKNER
MALVERN — Virginia Ruth Casey Buckner, 72, of Malvern, Ark., completed her journey on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024.
Brandon’s Mortuary is entrusted with professional services. Virginia’s online guestbook is available at http:// www.brandonsmortuary.com.
BEVERLY M. GANN
Beverly Mayben Gann, 89, passed away Feb. 5, 2024.
Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home.
Online condolences at http:// www.hotspringsfh.com.