Benjiman L. Brown, age 81 of Rockport, died Monday, December 18, 2017 in Hot Springs. He was born on July 13, 1936 in DeQueen, Arkansas to the late Lewis Brown and Mary Stinnett Brown. Reared and receiving his early education in Horatio, he was a star football player while in high school. At 17 years of age, he joined the United States Navy, and served for four years. He attended technical school and pursued a course of study in machining. Early in his career he was named top machinist at the California State Fair for his ability to craft parts. Ben was a brilliant mathematician, and he utilized this talent toward one of his proudest achievements--crafting parts for NASA to be outfitted on the first unmanned vehicle to land on the moon. He retired from Minnesota Mining in Little Rock. He was an expert billiard player, loved to fish, ride motorcycles, and drive fast cars. Ben was a true patriot: with the help of his late son-in-law Darry, he had an American Flag painted on his car in a proud display of his love for his country. He kept himself physically fit, was fiercely independent, and loved to socialize. Ben was a generous soul. He was eager to help those not as fortunate as he. Ben was also an animal lover, taking in stray dogs and cats, tending to all their needs. A devout Christian, he was a Bible scholar. He attended Shepherds Chapel in Gravette. He was the widower of the late Jere' Franz Brown, to whom he was married on February 1, 1968. She preceded him in death in 2010. Ben was also preceded in death by a son, Leroy Brown.

He is survived by his daughter, Molly Wren Teeter of Little Rock; a brother, Charles Brown (Karla) of Magnet Cove, a sister, Sue Gunn (Joe) of Hot Springs; three grandchildren, Nicholas Wren Brown, Everett Franz Smith, and William Wren Smith; four great-grandchildren, Charlie, Lily, Owen and Ashlyn Smith; two nephews, Stephen Brown and Justin Brown; a niece Kelli Golden; and numerous great-nieces and nephews. Ben also leaves behind his sidekick, Sissy Spears Bennett, who brought him lots of happiness and was an important part of his life for the last seven years.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. John Sorrel, Judy Pratt, APRN, Dr. Timothy Webb, Arkansas Hospice at CHI St. Vincent, Dr. Martin Koehn, and nurses for their care of Ben.

A gathering of family and friends is scheduled for Thursday evening, December 28, 2017 from 5-7 at J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

Memorials are requested to the Malvern Animal Shelter, 2625 Canine Road, Malvern, Arkansas 72104.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.