Benjamin Carlton Vaughan

Oct 29th, 1919 - Sep 21st, 2020

Birth Date: Oct 29, 1919
Death Date: Sep 21, 2020
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Biography: Benjamin Carlton Vaughan, 100, of Little Rock passed away September 21, 2020, one month and eight days before his 101st birthday. He was born October 29, 1919 in Clarendon, Arkansas to Alfred J. and Blossum Vaughan. Ben was the baby of the family, preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters. He and his family survived the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, of which he had many memories and stories.

He proudly served in World War II with the U.S. Army, arriving in Bombay, India on May 12, 1943, after 46 days aboard a troop ship with 6000 other soldiers. His service campaigns were in India-Burma and Central Burma. He received the Atlantic-Pacific Theater Ribbon and two Bronze Stars.

Ben retired from Little Rock First Commercial Bank, now Regions Bank in 1984. He previously was in the insurance business with Aetna in Little Rock.

He enjoyed fishing and camping at Lake Ouachita, going to Oaklawn and vacationing at Ormand/Daytona Beach, Florida. Ben continued to live independently in his apartment at Forrest Place until the last few weeks.

He is survived by his niece Virginia Fagerberg and her brother William Vaughan of St. Louis, Missouri, and niece Janet Krohn of DeLand, Florida. He is also remembered fondly by many special friends from his wonderful 100 years of life.

His remains will rest in the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery with other honored veterans. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, RuebelFuneralHome.com

Condolences(07)

Marilyn D Miller

Sep 29th, 2020 11:30 am

I am grateful that I had the pleasure of working with Ben. He was a southern gentlemen, awesome banker and fun to be around.

Diane Barksdale

Sep 26th, 2020 7:54 am

Ben become an adopted member of our family many many years ago. We have spent so many Thanksgivings and Christmas days together that I cannot begin to count them....but our 40 something son, Scott and daughter, Leslie were children at the time. As we sat around our table Ben would have us all in stitches laughing at a funny story. As he talked and we laughed his eyes would light up and that wonderful warm smile would cover his face. When he stopped driving it became a Monday ritual for Hubert to go get Ben and take him to Kroger or the bank or to get a hair cut. On occasion he would meet me downstairs by the drive in to his apartments and we would sit on the bench and visit. It seemed everyone that drove in knew Ben and stopped to greet him. When the pandemic started Hubert began to go alone and deliver to Ben. At the hospital recently Ben told Hubert he was ready to go see “The Big Man” face to face. I am so thankful he is in heaven now and probably telling a funny story. What a blessing he has been to our lives.

Pameka Duran

Sep 23rd, 2020 8:51 pm

Ben you will always be remember as a part of the pajama crew at Forest Place. I know they will miss you at all of the gatherings. Rest in Peaee!

Laura Larocque

Sep 23rd, 2020 8:42 pm

Ben was my great uncle. I did not know him well, but have a very fond memory of him going out of his way to retrieve a lost item at a Little Rock hotel for me when I came to visit while I was very young. Thank you Uncle Ben :)

Kathy Thompson

Sep 23rd, 2020 11:35 am

A fine story teller, a lover of New Yorker cartoons, a gentleman and a friend of three generations of our family. Ben's life certainly is one to celebrate!

Bob Thompson

Sep 23rd, 2020 11:20 am

Ben was my mentor and best friend. We worked together for many years in banking in Little Rock. My wife Kathy and two sons Robert and Hayes considered him as family. We vacationed with him for many years in Florida even after we moved to North Carolina. His generosity and gentleness to all was a hallmark of his life. I will miss the many hours of fun and laughter we shared. I loved this man beyond words.
Thanks be to God for his life.
Bob Thompson
Concord, North Carolina

Terry Barket and Bill Marsh

Sep 23rd, 2020 10:49 am

Oh, Ben, how we shall miss you...thank you for being who you are and especially such a wonderful neighbor!

Peace.