Phillip Lee Bennett, 62, of Sulphur Rock, Arkansas, passed away on August 14, 2026. He was born October 9, 1963, in Marvell, Arkansas, to Bobby Bennett and Linda Callaway Bennett.

Phillip worked as a laborer at Resources Unlimited before his retirement. He was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life and could often be found doing something he loved. He enjoyed fishing, tinkering with motorcycles and old trucks, working on anything he could take apart and put back together, and playing games on his phone. He also loved pizza, fries, hamburgers, and Chinese food.

Music played a significant role in Phillip’s life. He loved listening to music and was a drummer for most of his life, playing all kinds of music. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially spending time at his favorite fishing spots. He also enjoyed watching Westerns, Gunsmoke, and other old television shows.

Above all, Phillip loved his family. He loved and adored his wife, Melanie, with whom he shared 33 years. His children, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren held a special place in his heart. Phillip loved joking around and making people laugh. Even when his health was not at its best, he tried to keep a smile on his face and bring joy to those around him.

Phillip was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Callaway Bennett; his grandparents; an infant daughter; and his step-grandson, Timothy Miguals.

Those left to cherish Phillip’s memory include his loving wife, Melanie Estes Bennett; his father, Bobby Bennett; his son, Bobby Bryan Bennett of Batesville; his step-son, Keith Balch of Austin, Texas; his daughter, Emily Bennett of Batesville; his step-daughters, Bridgett Yeager of Batesville and Kendra Balch of Dallas, Texas; his grandchildren, Colby, Cullen, Coven, and Courtney; and his step-grandchildren, Cameron, Noa Kai, Heavenly Faith, Asia, Hannah, Jordan, Jayden, Jalesa, Justus, Amiri, and Harley. He also leaves behind many other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

Phillip especially enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors with his best friend, Toby Cooper. He will be remembered for his laughter, his love of music, his love for his family, and the many memories he created with those closest to him.

As Phillip wished to be remembered:

“Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I’ll remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, then don’t remember me at all.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family will have a Memorial service at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Willis Funeral Service.