Bennie Kidd Obituary (1946 - 2026) - Plumerville, Arkansas

Bennie (Bill) Kidd was born in June 1946 in Heber Springs, Arkansas, the fourth child of Louise and Linton Kidd. From an early age, Bennie learned the value of hard work, helping his father care for farm animals, butcher meat, milk cows, tend the garden, and cut and haul wood to heat their home. At just 12 years old, Bennie’s life changed forever when his father passed away, leaving his mother to raise five children alone. As the only son, Bennie stepped into responsibility without hesitation. He worked at a local barbershop shining shoes for five cents a pair, earning enough to buy his sisters’ school lunches. He also spent time at the billiard hall, where he became an exceptional player—often surprising (and frustrating) older men when a young boy beat them at their own game. As he grew older, Bennie worked at a local gas station, where several men recognized his eagerness to learn mechanics and took him under their wing. His skills improved, his income increased, and like many young men, he began buying bigger toys. Unfortunately, this period also marked the beginning of his struggles with alcohol and smoking. Bennie left school in the 10th grade and, during that time in his life, ran moonshine through Van Buren County. When his mother remarried, the family moved to Michigan. Bennie walked through snow and ice to attend school and worked afterward to help provide formula and medicine for his baby sister. After about two years, the family returned to Arkansas, where Bennie was drafted into the U.S. Army and volunteered to serve as a helicopter door-gunner during the Vietnam War. Even in combat, Bennie’s heart was to help others—he volunteered because helicopters could not fly without door-gunners, and the troops depended on those aircraft to save lives. Like many Vietnam veterans, Bennie returned home to a country that did not understand or welcome them. His battle with alcoholism continued. Soon after his return, his mother developed cancer and passed away, deepening his pain. In 1970, Bennie experienced a life-changing deliverance when God removed his desire for alcohol—he simply could not drink anymore. Though he continued smoking for several years, in 1985, during a heart attack that brought him to what he believed was his deathbed, Bennie had a vision of heaven. He cried out to God, asking Him to remove his smoking addiction no matter the cost, but to allow him to live long enough to see his children grown. From that moment forward, Bennie never smoked again. That experience ignited a calling. Bennie began boldly sharing his testimony, witnessing about what God had done in his life, and encouraging fellow veterans that God could heal PTSD, nightmares, addictions, and brokenness. *Scriptures on back cover* He met Jerry Melton, joined a motorcycle ministry, and took his faith on the road—into bars, jails, prisons, gas stations, restaurants, and anywhere God opened a door. Bennie lived by the truth he preached: when you think you can’t change, you are wrong—God is able. Bennie served the Lord faithfully until the day he died. God kept the promise He made to this former door-gunner, allowing him to see his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow. Bennie often said, “You can’t outgive the Lord.” God is faithful and just, ready to forgive those who call upon His name. Bennie’s life stands as a testimony to redemption, grace, and the power of a changed heart.The family requests that donations to the American Legion Post 39 be made in lieu of flowers.