Benny Alvin Francis, age 87, of Gurdon, passed from this life on Friday, December 19, 2025, at CHI St. Vincent Medical Center in Hot Springs. He was born September 1, 1938, in Curtis, the son of the late Rev. Henry Alvin and Josie Dixon Francis, who were Assembly of God ministers serving several churches during their lifetime.
Benny retired from Firestone after many years of employment. He was a faithful member of First Assembly of God Church of Arkadelphia. Benny was the founder of the Curtis Volunteer Fire Department in 1985. He served as Chief of that department for many years. Benny enjoyed working in his yard and “piddlin” with just about anything. He would often be seen picking up aluminum cans along the roads and donating all the proceeds to missions.
Benny was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Charles and James Ray Francis, two sisters, Ola Mae Jester and Opal Faye Malcom.
Survivors are his wife, Joyce Francis of Gurdon, two sons, Scott Francis (Tammy) of Gurdon and Ronnie Francis (Debbie) of Arkadelphia, two grandchildren, Amanda Holland (Robbie) and Daniel Francis (Ashlee), five great-grandchildren, Ellie Francis, Easton Francis, Bobby Holland, Spencer Holland and McKenzie Hughes, and a special family of love, Trent Hughes, McKenzie Hughes, Clifton and Becky Hughes.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, December 22, 2025, at Welch Funeral Home with Bro. Nathan Rogers officiating.
Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Arkadelphia.
Pallbearers are Caleb Easley, Daniel Francis, Trent Hughes, Daryl Campbell, Phillip Jester and Sheldon Stone.
Honorary pallbearers are Karen Tucker, Carroll Rogers, Jerry Palmer and Bill Nix.
Memorials may be made to First Assembly of God Church of Arkadelphia.
Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit http://www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.