Roller Ballard Funeral Home In Benton Ar

Ever driven through Benton, Arkansas, and wondered about that historic building with the grand columns and the intriguing name - Roller Ballard Funeral Home? Let's pull over for a sec and check it out, yeah?

Roller Who Now?

First things first, who are these Roller and Ballard folks? Well, buckle up for a blast from the past. The Roller and Ballard families have been serving Benton since the late 1800s. They started out as cabinetmakers, but when the need arose, they switched gears and became undertakers. Talk about a family business, huh?

Now, you might be thinking, "Undertakers? Really?" But hold on, this isn't your average funeral home story. This place is like the grand old lady of Benton, full of history and charm.

Meet the Grand Dame of Benton

The current building you see today was built in 1928. It's a beautiful example of the Neo-Classical Revival style, with those impressive columns out front. Imagine it's like the funeral home version of the White House, minus the political drama (hopefully).

Inside, it's like stepping into a time capsule. High ceilings, ornate moldings, and original hardwood floors - it's like a fancy dance hall, but with a more somber vibe. There's even a grand piano that's been played at countless services. It's like the funeral home's own little ghostly orchestra.

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More Than Meets the Eye

But this place is more than just a pretty face. It's been a witness to Benton's history. During World War II, it served as a USO club for soldiers stationed nearby. Can you imagine dancing the jitterbug in those grand halls? Pretty neat, huh?

And get this, the Roller family even has a connection to the famous Little Rock Nine. One of the family members was a teacher at the all-black Dunbar High School, where some of those brave students attended. Small world, right?

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Still Going Strong

After all these years, Roller Ballard Funeral Home is still going strong. It's changed hands a few times, but the current owners, the McCutchan family, are committed to keeping its historic charm alive. They've even got a museum inside dedicated to the history of funeral service. How cool is that?

So next time you're in Benton, don't just drive by. Pull over, take a look, and imagine the stories those old walls could tell. It's like a little piece of history waiting to be discovered.