J.W. "Buddy" Benafield

J.W. "Buddy" Benafield, died on June 14, 2021. He was at home, comforted by hospice care, his adoring wife, Dena, his devoted daughters, Dawne and Shannon, and other members of his loving family. This brief accounting can in no way adequately describe Buddy's long and eventful life. But we will try. Born on July 5, 1927, Buddy Benafield lived an interesting and engaging life. The fullness of every waking moment proved distinctive, success-filled, colorful. He was blessed with the love of family, the gift of an insightful and incisive business mind, and the honor of multi-generational relationships, both personal and professional. Buddy's acumen for enterprise resulted in the ownership and management of thriving businesses, profitable partnerships, and a history of public service unmatched by his peers. It is appropriate to note that he was well rewarded along the way, including personal wealth that enriched his family, his community, and the state. A financial advisor of Buddy's put it this way, "Buddy knew what to acquire, how to manage it, and when to sell it." At one of Buddy's favorite pastimes, the Men's Grill Round Table at The Country Club of Little Rock, he was asked about his many successful interests. While rolling dice at the table, a favorite afternoon activity among the men assembled there, he said, "I've been poor, and I've been rich. Rich is better!" He won the roll. Buddy's businesses and business associations were as numerous and noteworthy as his public service. First and foremost, he owned and operated farms in Arkansas and Mississippi. In fact, Buddy was once listed as one of the largest individual landowners in Arkansas. Land was truly a first and long-lasting love. Other agricultural interests included the leasing of cotton-picking equipment in South Texas and Eastern Arkansas, and the ownership of John Deere dealerships in England, Stuttgart, Dewitt, and Gillette, as well as a rural Arkansas Pontiac-GMC-Lincoln-Buick automobile dealership. In addition to farm and timber properties, Buddy led partnerships building and managing multi-family housing and multiple commercial properties. He was a hands-on developer, owner, and manager of his companies. A tireless work ethic is a key legacy of Buddy Benafield. One of Buddy's most visible business endeavors was the rescue of the Ward School Bus Manufacturing Corporation in Conway, which had filed in 1980 for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Partnering with Mack McLarty and the Harmon brothers of Kansas City, the newly formed holding company purchased the assets of Ward Bus and reorganized the company, saving over a thousand Arkansas jobs. Mack McLarty remembers fondly. "Buddy was a warrior, a warhorse and a workhorse," McLarty recalled. "During our collaborations together in the Democratic Party, in support of successful gubernatorial candidates, and a presidential candidate, and at a critical time to save the jobs at Ward Bus, Buddy was an enlightened and cooperative force, a problem solver, and a splendid partner. Donna and I had the good fortune and blessing to be associated with him for 50 years." In the political arena, the name Buddy Benafield was well-known. He served as mayor of England, where he formed a community development corporation to build a local hospital, established the England Chamber of Commerce and, understanding the strength of diversity, hired England's first African-American police officer. Buddy also served on the Little Rock City Board and as mayor of Little Rock, which distinguishes him as the only Little Rock mayor to have served as mayor of another Arkansas city. Governors of Arkansas relied on Buddy's advice. In 1970, he was an early supporter of a virtually unknown candidate for governor named Dale Bumpers. After Bumpers' election as Arkansas's 38th Governor, Buddy served as a legislative aide, and was appointed by the Governor as chairman of the Arkansas Racing Commission. Although secretary in the mid-1970s of the State Democratic Party, and a supporter of Democratic Governors David Pryor and future-President Bill Clinton, Buddy was asked by newly elected Republican Governor Frank White, a long-time friend, to serve as a legislative aide in the 1981 legislative session. Buddy remarked at the time, "I'm a Democrat. But I've never said no to what a governor of my state has requested, regardless of political party." Former Arkansas Attorney General, Congressman, Lt. Governor, and Governor Jim Guy Tucker, had no closer friend, confidant and adviser than Buddy Benafield. Serving as Tucker's legislative aide, as well, Buddy was appointed by Governor Tucker to fulfill an unexpired term on the Arkansas Highway Commission, then to a full 10-year term where he served as chairman of the Commission. "Buddy was a tractor driver, aircraft pilot, duck hunter, golfer, builder and focused thinker," said former Governor Tucker. "He was proud of his service to country, state, friends and family. What's more, Buddy was like an exquisite surgeon when analyzing challenges and opportunities for governors, members of Congress, city and county officials, future presidents, and such political luminaries as the late U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy. For that, and so much more, he will always remain ‘my Buddy.'" The list of Buddy's public service is extensive: Little Rock Port Authority board; president of Metroplan; University of Arkansas at Little Rock Development Council and Board of Visitors; Central Arkansas Planning and Development District board; Little Rock Arts and Humanities Commission; University of Central Arkansas Foundation and President's Roundtable; Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce board; Quapaw Area Council, Boy Scouts of America member; Arkansas Municipal League vice president; Fifty for the Future, and more. He was also a valued member of faith-based and philanthropic organizations, including First Methodist Church. James Weldon Benafield was born 93 years ago in Coy, Ark., to Fred Lee Benafield and Grace Hoggard Benafield. He graduated from England High School in 1944, and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. After his service to the country he loved, Buddy graduated from Little Rock Junior College, now the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and in 1950 graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College, now the University of Central Arkansas. Preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert Bryan Benafield, and sister, Wanda Harper Schubert. Buddy is survived by his wife, Dena, and two daughters, Dawne Benafield Vandiver and Shannon Benafield Aston (David). His memory will also be a blessing to his stepson, Doug Evans (Donna), and five grandchildren: Matthew Vandiver (Lauren), Katie Wise (Alex), Whitney Couch, Drew Aston, Ryan Aston (Hannah); three step-grandchildren: Lane Evans (Zara), Luke Evans (Marie), and Logan Evens (Matt); and seven great-grandchildren: Oscar, Byron, and Graham Vandiver, Gracie and James Clay Wellborn, Claire Couch, and Evie Wise, with an eighth great-grandchild due in October. The family expresses thanks and gratitude for the dedicated service of Buddy's comptroller, Susan Hatchell, and for his caregivers, including loving and professional care from Patty Cash and Angie Hunter. All will be in the family's prayers as they gather for a private graveside service, followed by a greeting of the family by friends, and a celebration of Buddy's life to be held at The Country Club of Little Rock on Friday, June 18, from 4-7 p.m. A brief tribute to Buddy will begin at 5:30 p.m. Funeral arrangements will be managed by Ruebel Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Access Academy: accessgroupinc.org, and Wounded Warriors: woundedwarriorproject.org.