Bennie Rochelle Tomlinson

Bennie Rochelle Tomlinson, 88, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025 in the presence of his family while in hospice care at the VA Medical Center.

He was a veteran of the United States Army National Guard. We would like to thank the Arora Organization for facilitating his organ donation and special thanks to the Veteran’s Hospital doctors, nurses and staff who provided such exceptional care for him.

Ben was born on the family farm on January 21, 1937. He was the eldest child of Gilford Tomlinson and Pauline Rochelle Tomlinson. He graduated from Lonoke High School in 1954 and then followed his father into the family farming operation where he remained for 40 years.

His stewardship and conservative values made the family farm successful; and his skills translated into him being instrumental in helping establish the Lonoke County Co-Op in 1975. He was also on the Lonoke Grain Dryer Board and was a 32nd degree Mason with the Lonoke Masonic Lodge # 51.

Ben had many interests and hobbies which included obtaining his real estate broker license and investing in real estate, and the stock market. Foremost was his achievement as Amateur (Ham) Radio Operator extra class - call sign W5MQ. He obtained a commercial instrument rating pilot’s license. Earlier in 1975 he piloted his Cessna 180 to Miami and picked up another Ham Operator landing in Nassau for fuel; then to Turks & Caicos Island where they set up Ham Radio and talked to Hams all over the world. They flew to the British Virgin Islands then to Dominica, Martinique and St. Lucia; 1600 miles from Miami and at one point were only 90 miles off the coast of Venezuela. It was a 3 week trip of a lifetime.

Ben married Shirley New in 1964 and they recently celebrated their 61st anniversary. Together they built a loving home for their children with memories that will last for generations.

He is survived by Shirley and their children: Anita (Gene) Eggman of Bella Vista, AR; Jerrie (Tom) Carter of Corte Madera, CA; Bena Tomlinson of Petaluma, CA; Nina (Marcel) Vincent of Lonoke, AR; and Gil (Heather) Tomlinson of Little Rock, AR; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; nieces Cathy Talbert, Merideth Hulbert, and nephew Jimmy Tomlinson.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Lynae Talbert and his brother, Bernie Tomlinson. He loved his family and his many friends. His guidance, quick wit, smile and laughter will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held 1:00pm, May 10, 2025 at Boyd Funeral Home with a visitation following. Arrangements by Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke. Online guestbook www.boydfuneralhome.net