J B "Benny" Stillings, 80 years, passed to heaven on January 9, 2010 at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, MO.

Benny was born January 11, 1929 in Arno, MO to Ray and Mary Ethel (Haynes) Stillings.

Benny was a lifelong resident of the Ava community. He was a Army veteran and served in the Korean Conflict as a Corporal. Benny retired from working 33 years as a Manager with Union Gas Co. in Ava and also Webster Hydro Co in Mansfield. He also was a volunteer Fireman in Ava for 30 years. He was a Christian. Benny loved fishing, racing cars and John Deere equipment. He also enjoyed target shooting, homemade ice cream and Bluegrass music.

Benny was preceded in death by his parents, Ray E. Stillings and Mary Ethel Haynes Stillings, one brother, Neil Stillings and one sister Fayma Geraldine Marten.

Benny is survived by five children & their spouses, Lona Stillings, Springfield, MO, Fayma & Lance Williams, Springfield, MO, Kathy & Steve Pierce, Nixa, MO, Kim & Randy Stamper, Ava, MO and Jamie & Jana Stillings, Ava, MO, nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, two brothers, Stanley and Lawrence Ray Stillings, Ava, MO, one sister, Florence Albin, LaPine, OR, many nieces, nephews and other relatives and lots of friends.





Funeral services for Benny will be Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO with burial in the Ava Cemetery with full military honors by Ava American Legion #112 and VFW #5993. Visitation will be Tuesday, Jan. 12th, 2010 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Officiating will be Rev. Vernie Stillings.