Cecil Ray Bench

Cecil Ray Bench, 83, of Lepanto, Arkansas departed this life on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was born on February 24, 1942, in Clinton, Arkansas to Jim A. and Lillie I. Kirkendoll Bench.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one daughter: Vickie Laverne Pilgrim, two brothers: J.W. Bench and Garland Bench and three sisters: Jane House, Lillian Tarvin and Connie Timbs.

Cecil is survived by his wife of sixty one years: Melba Avery Bench of Lepanto, one brother: Johnny Bench of Bald Knob, two sisters: Geraldine Reed of Bald Knob and Linda Edwards of Rosebud, two grandchildren: Amanda Pilgrim of Lepanto and Curtis Pilgrim of Trumann, five great grandchildren: Bentley, Aubrey, Aiden, Avery and McKenna, several nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

The family will hold a celebration of life service on July 19, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Lepanto Senior Life Center in Lepanto. 

Arrangements are under the care of Delancey Funeral Home in Lepanto.