Ben F. Clardy Jr.

Ben F. Clardy Jr., age 87, passed away in his home Sept. 14, after a battle with cancer. He was able to live his final days at home with the support of his family and Saline Memorial Hospice. God and family were the most important things in his life. Ben was a lifelong member of Sardis United Methodist Church and resident of Sardis Community. Whether it was fishing, golfing, bird watching or tending to his flowers and berries, he loved being outside. He was always generous, sharing his knowledge of nature with others. Family beach trips were always the highlight of the year. Ben was a paratrooper in the US Army. After returning to Arkansas, he received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Arkansas in geology. He spent his career as a geologist with the State Geologist Commission. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Frederick Clardy Sr. and Nell Anniece McDonald Clardy; Uncle Erasmus and Aunt Minnie Bradbury, who helped raise him; and Charlie Vyles, his brother-in-law and special friend. He is survived by his wife, Sammie Clardy; his sisters, Caroline Harkins and Sally McKay; his children, Benjamin F. Clardy IV (Julie), Elizabeth Kooiman (Rodney), Samuel Dee Clardy (Michelle); grandchildren, Jonathan Kooiman (Taylor), Benjamin Clardy V (Claire), Cody Clardy, Jessica Kooiman Clifton (Houston), Andrew Clardy, Clayton Clardy, Cole Clardy; and honorary granddaughter, Emily Jones Childress (Brandon); and great-granddaughter, Sloane Kooiman. The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Martindale and Kristen of Saline Med-Peds and the staff of Saline Memorial Hospice for their tender loving care of Ben during his illness. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton. The funeral will be at Sardis United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, followed by his burial at McPherson Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials may be made to the Sardis UMC Food Pantry. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.