Rufford Neal Bennett was born July 15, 1949 in Dalton, Arkansas. He entered into eternity on his 77th birthday, July 15, 2026, in Blytheville, Arkansas. He was the 6th of 10 children of Rufford G. Bennett and Lorine Mitchell Bennett. He was a graduate of Dalton High School. He was drafted in June, 1969 and went on proudly to serve his country for 34 years. His service included two years in the United States Army, 14 years in the Georgia Army National Guard and 18 years in the Army Active Guard Reserve program. He honorable retired in February 2004 as an E-7 Sergeant First Class United States Army.

He was united in marriage to Gloria Dale Snider in Jasper, South Carolina. Two daughters were born to this union, Angela and Kimberly.

During his years as a traditional guardsman, he worked at Johns-Manville Corporation in Garden City, Georgia in the Quality Control Laboratory.

Neal loved to hunt and fish and spend as much time at both hobbies as possible. He always looked forward to his annual hunting trip with his brothers and his annual fishing trip with his military buddies. He proudly took his grandson with him as often as possible. He was also active in his local church and worked with the Royal Rangers program teaching young men and boys survival skills and how to grow into Godly young men.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Four siblings: Kendell, Russell, Bessie and Jeneta.

He is survived by the mother of his children, daughters Angela Bennett and Kimberly Bennett Burgess and her husband Heath; his grandchildren, Dean Burgess, Amber Scott, and Dale Burgess; his great-grandchildren Alyiah Scott and Lydia Scott. He is survived by 5 siblings: Glenda, B.W., Virginia, Clifton and Dean. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and in-laws.

Neal’s family would like to express appreciation to the staff of Heritage Square Nursing Center for the love and care they extended to Neal. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made online to the Lewy Body Dementia Society. The web address is: https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate 

A visitation will be held on July 18, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Walnut Grove Cemetery. 

All services are under the direction of McNabb Funeral Home.