Melvin Jerald "Jerry" Bennett, 84, of Malvern, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, in
the home he built beside the old family property where he grew up. Born on June 12, 1942, in
Malvern, Jerry was the eldest son of Juanita Foster Bennett and Melvin D. Bennett – a role he carried
with pride, responsibility, and unwavering devotion throughout his life.
At the age of 19, Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served honorably from 1962
to 1966. This was a period that deepened his lifelong passion for airplanes which later led to him
earning his Small Engine Pilot's License, a reflection of both his skill and his love for flight.
In 1968, Jerry began what would become a remarkable 50-year career as a State Farm Agent. He
served his community with integrity, dedication, and a genuine care for the people and families he
helped. Over the decades, he earned numerous awards and respect of colleagues and clients alike.
His work held great meaning for him, reflecting the pillars that shaped his daily life: family, home,
and business.
Jerry was a man defined by honesty, integrity, and the Golden Rule and family was everything to
him. He found joy in his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his brothers and sister, and
even the dogs that wandered up the house to stay awhile. Some of his happiest moments were
spent with his brother, riding through the woods in a side-by-side, sharing the quiet comfort of the
land they both loved. As a man of his community, Jerry was a Lions Club member and served as the
Secretary of the Magnet Cove Volunteer Fire Department.
Jerry will be remembered for his sarcasm, quick wit, stubborn streak, piercing blue eyes, and warm,
inviting smile. His humor was unmistakable and sharp – once, when asked what kind of tree stood
nearby, he replied, "A live one," then pointed to another and said, "That's a dead one." As a boy,
Jerry's stubborn streak would often come to light at inopportune times. When once told by his
father to eat Hominy, Jerry defiantly declared, "I don't like it, and I'm not gonna eat it." Even after
being picked up by his heels, he still refused. And in true Jerry fashion, his dislike of Hominy
became a family trait - like father, like daughters.
Aside from a disdain of Hominy, Jerry passed along to his children, a strong work ethic, a deep love
of family, and a steady, levelheaded nature. His influence and deep love of the land extended to
future generations as well. He often took his grandchildren for walks in the woods or down to the
creek to clean it out. One grandchild later shared that those simple moments – learning about
nature, exploring the wooded area, and spending time with Grandpa – nurtured a lifelong love for
the outdoors. Only in adulthood did he realize how lasting those memories would become.
In his final days, Jerry was surrounded by his daughters, his brothers, and close friends. Though he
could no longer speak, he would at times display non-verbal cues as a quiet acknowledgment of his
family's presence and love. Near the end, he was again able to hear the voices of his
great-grandchildren, which made him smile – a final moment of joy to take with him, from the
generations he cherished so deeply.
Jerry is survived by his daughters: Laura Bennett-Rink (spouse Ramsey), Debbie Byrne (spouse
Andy), Tanya Howard (spouse Steven), and Sherri Bennett; his brothers Douglas "Dave" Bennett,
Richard "Dick" Bennett (spouse Alta), and Joe Bennett (spouse Pam); and a large and loving family
of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Laveta Bennett
Phelps.
As we each navigate Jerry's passing in our own way, may we all hold onto the memories of Jerry that
bring us the most joy. Jerry was committed to loving his children and watching over his siblings and
parents – the duty of an eldest son that he carried with honor. He brought joy to all who knew him,
and he left this world with that same joy in his heart. He is now at peace.
And as we honor him, let us do what we believe he would: hold our heads a little higher, hug our
loved ones a little tighter, hold those hugs a little longer, and express our love for each other a little
stronger. It is said that grief is love with no place to go – so let us lighten our hearts and share that
love with one another.

Memorial visitation will be 5-7 PM Monday, August 3rd at Regency Funeral Home.