05/11/17  Ryburn Obit

 

82 year old Benny Ryburn Jr. of Monticello passed away on Monday. Benny was born in Pine Bluff. The family moved to Monticello in 1946 and his father got into the automobile business. Following his college training and service in the military, Benny became manager of Ryburn Motor Company. He owned the family business for 25 years.

In 1966, Benny was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives where he served seven terms. He was sponsor of legislation to merge Arkansas A&M with the University of Arkansas system. After leaving office, he turned his energies toward the banking industry. He spent more than 50 years in banking in Arkansas. He was involved in many financial institutions over the years including The First state Savings and Loan Association of S.E. Arkansas, Citizens Bank of Tillar, Pine State Bank at Kingsland and Arkansas Bankers Life. He served as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Bank of Star City, Commercial Bank of Monticello and First State Bank of Warren.

Memorial services will be held this Saturday afternoon at 4pm at Oakland Cemetery in Monticello. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service of Star City.