Ben Martin Obituary
Arkansas Children's Hospital 1 Children's Way Little Rock, AR 72202 St. Jude's Children's Hospital 262 Danny Place Memphis, TN 38105, James "Ben" Bentley Martin, of Harrison, AR October 14, 1938 - July 24, 2021 James Bentley Martin passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 82 on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Ben was born on October 14, 1938, to May and C.E. Martin. Ben was preceded in death by his parents and one step-son, Adrian Adkins. He was a graduate of Harrison High School, class of 1957, and was in the local construction business as a master plumber and general contractor for many years as the owner of Martin Construction Company.
Ben's enduring legacy will live on in the Harrison community through his many schools, church, and business projects. In later years, Ben took up cattle farming on his farm in Bellefonte. On January 19, 2013, he married Sharon Lee Spradley, who was his loving wife until his death. Ben was an active member of First Baptist Church of Harrison and also attended Men's Group at First Christian Church for many years. Ben had a passion for Razorback and Goblin sports, specifically football. He was an avid high school athlete himself and loved attending Razorback football games with his family.
One of his greatest loves in life was quail hunting, and he also enjoyed pheasant hunting in South Dakota with his three sons. Ben was an accomplished snow and water skier and took his family on many ski trips together which became fond family memories. Ben is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; one sister, LaVonne Martin; his brother, Bud Martin; his three sons Jeff, Joe (Michelle), and John Martin; and his step-daughter, Alice Terwege (Erich), Ben loved his many grandchildren, Jeffrey, Amanda, Cody, Allison, Dylan, and Travis Martin, and step-grandchildren, Adrian and Hannah Terwege.
Visitation was at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 28, from 6:00-8:00 pm. A private family burial was held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ben to Arkansas Children's Hospital or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
