Bennie Lee Block
By Staff, 01/2/17 11:08 AM
Bennie Lee Block age 92, of Texarkana passed away, Thursday, December 29, 2016. He was born January 23, 1924 in Hempstead County, AR to Conway Block, Sr. and Valree Cooper Block. His life’s journey peacefully ended on Thursday, December 29, 2016. He was drafted into the United States Army at the age of 18 and after serving 3 1/2 years in the military, he returned to Hempstead County. He later moved to Texarkana and married Lois Jefferson on February 14, 1951, becoming a great provider and family man. Their marriage would last a span of 65 plus years. Their union was blessed with three children, not including the many bonus children he picked up along the way.
In his early years, he was a member of the family church, Mt. Pleasant A.M.E. Church in Fulton, AR. After moving to Texarkana he became a longtime member of Canaan Baptist Church. He exhibited his faith by serving as an Usher, Trustee, Deacon and on the Finance committee. Deacon Block was a strong financial supporter of the church and its ministries. Bennie’s work ethics would provide him with many successful jobs. His most notable jobs were Lone Star Ammunition Plant and Cooper Tire from which he retired after many years of service.
Those completing the journey before him include his aforementioned parents; his son, Leroy B. “Sonny” Block; siblings, Carl Lee Block, Albertha Brown, James Block, Roger Block, Conway Block Jr., Florene Jones, Lucille Carrigan, Mattie Hill and Pearlean Cheatham; his in-laws, Frank and Allie Cheatham and his extended family.
His legacy will be continued by his wife, Lois J. Block of Texarkana, TX; his children, Larry D. (Dr. Harriett) Block, Sr. of Katy, TX, Linda (Rev. Freddie L.) Smith of Fulton; his special niece and nephew whom he respected as his children, Shirley and Jerry Griffin of Dallas, TX; his last remaining sibling, Irene Walker of Texarkana, TX; a daughter-in-law, Gwen Block of CA; his grandchildren, Kenyetta (Paul) Brewer of Texarkana, TX, Kaleybra Block of CA, Lois M. Block of Dallas, TX, Rev. Fredrick L. (Dr. Cemeka Agugbuem) Smith and Andrea Smith all of Arkadelphia, Damon Block of Austin, TX, Landa Block of Katy, TX and Larry Block, Jr. of Rowlett, TX, Kamryn Griffin of Dallas, TX and Leonette Lee of FL; seven great grandchildren ; special cousins, Evelyn Rogers and Sundra Hamilton of Texarkana, TX; a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 3, 2016 at Canaan Baptist Church 1002 Laurel Street with Rev. Freddie L. Smith, officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Flowers should be delivered to the church on Tuesday morning.
Guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services. 336 East Grand Ave Hot Springs, AR (501)623-7664
