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JESSE WILLIAM BENZ, 40, of Sherwood, passed away suddenly at his home on February 8th. Jesse was born on March 1, 1981 in Little Rock, the beloved son of William F. Benz and Glenda L. DeBusk.

Jesse graduated from Sylvan Hills High School and attended Pulaski Technical College. He was a retired letter carrier for the United States Postal Service.

Jesse’s interest and passions were infinite. He loved all things purple, was a diehard Raiders fan, stayed completely knowledgable on politics and all news story headlines, could narrate countless wrestling events from 20 years ago, and could tell you about E-40 and other music artists better than VH1’s Behind the Music.

He collected comic books, baseball cards, vintage T—shirts, McDonald’s happy meal toys and had a CD collection big enough for an endless music festival, and enough DVDs for an incredibly long movie marathon.

Above all, however, Jesse was passionate about his love and loyalty for family & friends. He never forgot your birthday, was never judgemental. If you met him just once, in his eyes you were now a friend and he would self sacrifice, without hesitation, if he thought he could help. Jesse cherished every single friendship.

Jesse was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, J. C. Lynn of Heber Springs, and his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Benz of Searcy.

Jesse is survived by his grandmother, Connie Lynn “mom” of Heber Springs, mother and stepfather, Glenda and Dennis DeBusk of Springdale, father and stepmother, Bill and Brenda Benz of Mayflower, sister, Kelli Hartje of Sherwood, nephew, Jace Hartje of Fayetteville, niece, Erin Hartje of Sherwood, and stepbrother, Michael Wilkins of Morrilton. He is also survived by numerous other family members and friends.

Jesse loved God. Ever the list maker, letter writer, and sentimental token collector – he even wrote out a list of Bible verses for whenever this day may come….

“I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.” “For this God is our God forever and ever, he will be our guide even unto death.” “He will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces.”

Please join us for a Celebration of Jesse’s Life on Friday, April 1 at 6 p.m., at The GREENS at North Hills, 7400 Highway 107, Sherwood.

To sign the online guest book please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com.

Published March 13, 2022