10 questions
Story & Photography By Susan O'Connor

10 Questions. Murray Rasberry Benton Sr. is a personable, small-town guy with a disarming manner that makes conversation particularly enjoyable.Behind the laid-back demeanor, however, is a serious businessman. Occasions talks with Murray Benton.

Benton is president of Mid-South Sales, a large-scale oil distribution business founded by his grandfather, Murray O. Rasberry, in 1945 in Helena. In 2002, Benton was named to the Arkansas Business Top 40 Under 40 list, a prestigious recognition.

But a closer look reveals a man of great depth with a profound spiritual nature. The dominant artwork in his office is a massive painting of the earth with a cross emanating from within. It is an original work by his mother, Helen Benton, a noted designer of wedding gowns and women’s clothing.

In his early career just out of college, Benton wrestled with what he thought might be a call to full-time ministry. He spent one year as marketing director at Family Life, a division of Campus Crusade for Christ, a Little Rock-based ministry, a time he describes as the best year of his life. Benton said he decided, after much prayer, that God needed him in the workplace.

He co-teaches an adult Sunday school class at Central Baptist Church with close friend Dr. Willie Hurst, and is a devoted family man. He and his wife of 20 years, Nancy, are the parents of three children, Murray Jr., 19, and Meredith, 17, who are both in college, and Maggie, 12, a student at Valley View.

How did you develop your sense for business?

I watched my grandfather and father. They both had great people skills and loved to sell. They would develop relationships, give great service and assemble a great team of people to work alongside them. They both taught me how to love the people who work for us, and also the competitive nature to grow and succeed in business.

Is there any other career you considered?

I always thought growing up I would be a pastor of a church. At a young age, I gave my life to Jesus Christ and always enjoyed praying before ballgames, speaking at church and ministering to people. I was the pastor of a church my junior and senior year of college, Bellflower Presbyterian Church in Bellflower, Mo.

Why did you decide to move the headquarters of Mid- South Sales from Helena to Jonesboro?

Nancy and I were seeing the town of Helena struggle. We wanted to move our corporate office, expand our business and find a nice place for our kids to grow up and have opportunities to excel in school, sports and activities. We looked at Searcy and Cabot, but visited Jonesboro and fell in love with it. Everyone who lived here told us it was a great place to live.

At what age did you begin to feel the tug of the ministry?

Really, about the ninth grade. I got involved in the youth program at my church, and was also influenced by counselors at a Christian sports camp I attended in North Carolina. I wanted to be like them. That gave me a fire for the ministry.

What was the most fulfilling aspect of the time you spent at Campus Crusade for Christ?

I made $9,000, but I was surrounded by some of the best people. It was a great spiritual experience. I realized you can be content without a lot of money. That was a good lesson for me. It sure doesn’t take money to be happy.

You said you recently had back surgery, a time when you inevitably had to slow down. What was the most valuable lesson you learned during that time?

I spent 90 days in bed. That’s a long time. I learned to appreciate my friends and family. People would call me and say, “How are you doing? I’ve been praying for you.” An unbelievable number of people brought meals and checked on my family. It made me aware of the people around me and what they are going through. That has become my new passion — to minister to people who are struggling and to encourage them.

How has your life been made richer by being married to Nancy?

She is so creative and talented. We are so opposite. She has brought so much creativity and fun to my life. She makes me do things I wouldn’t normally do. She complements me in so many ways.

When your children look back on their childhood, what do you hope they remember most about you?

I want to be a witness from a dad standpoint. I want them to know they can live a Christian life and have fun serving the Lord.

What is Jonesboro’s greatest asset?

The people who live here love living here. Also City Water & Light. They are uniquely able to offer special rates to industry. They continue to bring in great companies.

You are a graduate of Leadership Jonesboro. How important is that program in developing leaders of the future?

Very important. I met many young leaders who I could network with. I established relationships with civic leaders and key business leaders. I would recommend it highly.

Are you more like your mother or father? Why?

My mom is creative and I am not, so I guess I am more like my dad — his love for people and his personality.

What is the last book you read?

Paul, by Chuck Swindoll.

What is the best restaurant in the Mid-South for a dinner out with your wife?

We love Omar’s in Jonesboro and Houston’s in Memphis.

What is your favorite meal to eat at home with your family?

Poppy seed chicken. It is made in a casserole with Ritz crackers and served with rice. We love it.

What is your family’s favorite vacation destination?

Sea Island, Ga. My parents have taken me there for years. It’s special to us.

Imagine an entire day to do whatever you choose. What would that day be like?

I’d take some of my close friends to a sporting event.