JULY 15, 1961 – MAY 26, 2019
James Benford Fridell, Jr. (Ben) was born July 15, 1961 and passed from this life on May 26, 2019 at the age of 57 in Eleva, Wisconsin. He was an Electrical Improvement Facilitator at Gerdau Steel in Fort Smith, AR. Ben was a devoted husband, loving son, father, and proud Papaw.
He is survived by his wife, Pam Fridell of Witcherville, AR; children, Katelyn and Jake Davis of Eleva, WI, James (J.B.) Fridell of Los Angeles, CA; step-children, Danielle and Whit Overton of Greenwood, AR, James Fry of Witcherville, AR; grandchildren, Bella Williams, Bear and Boone Davis; parents, Jim Fridell of Bearden, AR and Ann Livingston of Bearden, AR; siblings, Russell and Frances Fridell of Bearden, AR, Nicole and Jason Humphries of Sparkman, AR and aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Ben is preceded in death by his sister, Kelly Ann Fridell and beloved uncles, Jim Kelly and Wilbur Eastham.
Visitation will be held from 12-7pm Friday, May 31 at McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood. Family will be present from 5-7 pm. Funeral service is 10 a.m., Saturday, June 1 at Fellowship Baptist Church in Witcherville, AR. Graveside service will follow at Pleasant Grove #2 in Abbott, AR.
Not only will Ben be remembered for his kindness, generosity, quick wit and sense of humor, but also his willingness to protect others. He was a hero as he made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his grandchildren. He will be in our hearts forever. Pallbearers will be Chris Yarberry, Seth Parker, Brian Mitchell, Darrell Hayes, Ray Watson and Bob Blassingame. Honorary pallbearers will be Chad and Jeff Kelly and Lewin and Kevin Eastham. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ben’s honor to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 N Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607 or donate.lovetotherescue.org.
FAMILY
Mr. Fridell is survived by his wife, Pam Fridell of Witcherville, AR; children, Katelyn
and Jake Davis of Eleva, WI, James (J.B.) Fridell of Los Angeles, CA; step-children, Danielle
and Whit Overton of Greenwood, AR, James Fry of Witcherville, AR; grandchildren, Bella
Williams, Bear and Boone Davis; parents, Jim Fridell of Bearden, AR and Ann Livingston of
Bearden, AR; siblings, Russell and Frances Fridell of Bearden, AR, Nicole and Jason
Humphries of Sparkman, AR and aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Ben is preceded in
death by his sister, Kelly Ann Fridell and beloved uncles, Jim Kelly and Wilbur Eastham.
PALLBEARERS
Chris Yarberry, Active
Seth Parker, Active
Ray Watson, Active
Darrell Hayes, Active
Brian Mitchell, Active
Bob Blassingame, Active
Jeff Kelly, Honorary
Chad Kelly, Honorary
Kevin Eastham, Honorary
Lewin Eastham, Honorary