Bennie Florida's Obituary
Bennie Florida, 63, of Farmington, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2008 in Farmington, Arkansas. He was born December 15, 1944 in Floral, Arkansas, the son of Matthew and Edna Brown Florida. He graduated from Bernie High School in 1962, entered the United States Army in July of 1963, he was assigned to Fort Gordon, Georgia, as a nineteen year old soldier. He was assigned to the U. S. Army Garrison at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, June 8 a field radio repairman in the Garrison?s Company B. He was an Electronics Specialist Assistant Site Chief in charge of four men and five RCA Technicians at one of four central offices located at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. While in the Army he received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Sharpshooter Rifle Sharpshooter Carbine. He was discharged from the United States Army in June of 1969 with an Honorable Discharge. He attended Southern Illinois University in which he received a Bachelor of Science and Technology Diploma in May of 1976, also received Scholastic Honors while a member of the Sophomore Class of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Awarded on Honors Day 1974. Bennie was an Instrumentation Specialist, in 1972 Bennie suffered an injury while working for Mobil Oil when he fell from a scaffold and paralyzed him (Quadriplegic). After this injury Bennie pressed forward, entering collage and graduating with honors, continued to work as he was employed by 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1980 he moved to Sierra Vista, Arizona and opened up the Sierra Vista Medical Supplies.
He is survived by two daughters; Amy Wilson of Cassville, Missouri, Beth Read of Tucson, Arizona, four grandchildren; Billie-Jean Thomaston of Macon, Georgia, Meagan Wilson of St. Louis, Missouri, Cheyanne Read of Tucson, Arizona, Thomas Stephens of Tucson, Arizona, six brothers and sisters; Maxine Bauer, Verline Ridley, Fred Florida, Daniel Florida, Terry Florida and Jack Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers; Virgil and Roger Florida.
There will be no visitation.
To sign the online guest book go to www.nelsonberna.com
A memorial service will be held 6:00 PM, Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at the First Baptist Church of Farmington with Pastor Berry Smith officiating.
Arrangements are by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory of Fayetteville.
Visitation Date Time No Visitatioin N/A Visitation Location No Visitation Service Date Time Tuesday, June 10, 2008 6:00 PM Service Location First Baptist Church of Farmington, Arkansas, with Pastor Berry Smith officiating.
What’s your fondest memory of Bennie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bennie?
Share a story where Bennie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bennie you’ll never forget.
How did Bennie make you smile?