Bennie Edward Erby

Bennie Edward Erby was born on July 16, 1943, in Bunn, Arkansas to Richard and Charlie Westbrook Erby. He attended school in Carthage, Arkansas. Bennie accepted Christ as his savior with First Missionary Baptist Church of Carthage, Arkansas. Bennie worked as a laborer in the sawmill industry for many years. He spent his free time fishing, hanging with family and friends. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and for being a people person. He enjoyed the simple things life offered and never met a stranger. With his big smile and hearty laugh he could make the darkest day brighter. He married Lucretia Oakley and to this union one daughter, Kimberly was born. He married Jacquelyn Taylor in 1977, and their union was blessed with two daughters, Brandy and Benitra His daughters were the apples of his eye. On Friday, October 9, 2015, he passed into the Lord’s embrace. He was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Richard Erby; his beloved Jacquelyn who passed into the Lord’s embrace on November 2, 1988; two brothers, Richard Erby, Jr., and LaDell Erby; and one grandchild, Kimahari Williams. Although his passing leaves a void in the lives of those he touched, his memory will live on forever. He leaves to cherish his memory daughters, Kimberly Erby of Ypsilanti, MI, Brandy Andrews (Stacy) of Little Rock, AR and Benitra Erby of Killeen, TX; ten grandchildren; sisters, Gail Toney (Willie) of Carthage, AR, Bennie Jean Lee of San Diego, CA; and a brother, Ricky Erby (Alisha) of Hot Springs, AR; sisters-in-law, Louise Erby and Dorothy Erby. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends.    A Celebration of his life will be shared on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Bethel A. M. E. Church, 333 N. 5th Street, Carthage, Arkansas 71725. Rev. Willie Toney, Jr., will officiate. Visitation will be Friday from 2-5 p.m. Interment will be in Bethel Cemetery in Carthage, Arkansas.  Click here to view and/or print Bennie Erby KeepsakeCharles Toney, Keith Fountain, Ronald Morris, Marvin Smith, Tracy Haynes and Chris Phillips will serve as bearers of the casket.