Mark Lynn Bennings of Prattsville, Arkansas…We pause here to point out that Mark loved Prattsville deeply and was always one of its most proud and enthusiastic supporters. He loved his little community, and they loved him back. Mark was born April 15, 1964, in Little Rock, the son of Clarence “Poodle” and Lenora Loftis Bennings. Mark was a lifelong member of The Church of God at Prattsville, and was never ashamed to share with anyone who would listen all the things Jesus had done for him and how thankful he was. Mark started working with his dad in the family business when he was just a kid. He never shied away from hard work, and with his faith and determination, and lots of help from family and friends, Bennings Heating and Air became a benchmark in Arkansas, with a reputation for fair and dependable service. Mark never let the word “no” creep into his vocabulary. Regardless of the level of difficulty or the time it would take, if someone needed it done, Mark would figure out a way, and it would be done…and done right. He wasn’t nearly as concerned about financial success as he was about his family name and reputation. Even in recent years, when he could’ve retired, he chose to keep working to serve the good people who trusted him and his employees.

Mark’s family and friends would tell you that he was one of the rare people they knew who seemed able to create more time. The reason being, no one could outwork him. Mark’s days were busy, and his schedule was always full, yet if anyone needed him for anything, he took care of their need and still managed everything else as well. He was the very definition of someone with a Servant’s Heart, because he genuinely loved people. When he was wrong, he owned it and apologized, and he never held a grudge.

Everyone who knew Mark knew that he really enjoyed building and driving fast cars and trucks. He loved dirt track racing, and ultimately that love led to the addition of a son.

What was truly remarkable about Mark was this: no matter how hard he worked or how long the hours were, he always made time for what he considered the greatest gift and blessing God had given him—his family. Mark cherished his wife Charissa for 44 years of marriage. She was not only his wife, but also his very best friend. They were blessed with their daughter Shannon, and Mark’s life was never the same after that. He never knew he could experience that much love in his heart. Shannon said, “He was the best girl-dad to me. He was a true man, but had a soft heart”. Then, as time went on, Shannon found her soulmate, and they gained a son, rather than a son-in-law, in Timothy. As if things couldn’t get any better, God had another gift that would blow Mark away when his grandson Cannon was born. He still loved everyone else just as much, but Cannon completed the picture. Mark could hardly wait for Cannon to be old enough to go on jobs with him and be his little sidekick, much like Mark did with his dad.

Mark went home to be with Jesus, Thursday, August 13, 2026, in Hot Springs, as the result of an accident, at the age of 62. He was preceded in death by many other family members and friends that he loved so much and has now been reunited with in Heaven, but one very special Uncle, Noel Loftis, who thought of Mark as a son.

Survivors include his wife, Charissa Busbee Bennings; daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, Shannon, Timmy, and Cannon Culp; parents, Clarence “Poodle” and Lenora Loftis Bennings; sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Kevin Bryant; all of Prattsville; nephews: Paden and Lisa Bryant and their son, Everett; Kody and Camryn Bryant; sister-in-law, Sarah Herron; nieces: Ashley Pinson and her children, Levi and Rowan; Amanda and DaRyan Elston and their son, Luke. He is also survived by numerous other extended family members that he loved dearly, as well as his Bennings Heating and Air family.

Mark would never agree to have a funeral for him, because he would want a joyous gathering to celebrate the rich, full life God blessed him with, and the indescribable eternal home He’s taken him to. So, a Celebration of Mark’s life will be held at 12:00 P.M., Friday, August 21, 2026, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Sheridan (206 E. Holly St., Sheridan, Arkansas 72150) with Bro. Jerry Melot and Bro. Rodney Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Philadelphia Cemetery at Prattsville. Visitation is Thursday, 4:30-7:30 P.M., also at the church.

Serving as Pallbearers: Timothy Culp, Paden Bryant, Kody Bryant, Kevin Bryant, Derek Henderson, Daren Henderson, Eric Smith, Karson Ramsey

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers:

James Bell, Jason Corley, Gary Doolittle, David Gatzke, Jeff Goodman, Jimmy Harper, Dale Horn, Lance Landers, Gerald Mitchell, Brandon Paxton, Guy "Doc" Roark, Wendell Wallace, Greg Dunlap, Dewayne Smith, Victor Smith

For those unable to attend the funeral services, there will be a livestream on Immanuel Baptist Church, Sheridan, Arkansas’ Facebook page.

Memorials may be made to the Philadelphia Cemetery Association, 701 Grant 43, Sheridan, AR  72150 or if you’d rather, you can remember Mark the way he lived his life--just find someone who needs a little help, and quietly and humbly, be a blessing to them. Mark didn’t announce it, but he did it all the time, and nothing would be a greater tribute to his life than for others to continue carrying that torch.

Proverbs 10:7….The memory of the just is blessed.