Kenneth Allen "Bull" Durham went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 12, 2024.

Ken was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to Nettie Beulah (Jones) and Armor Bradley Durham on December 21, 1936.  He was an only child but was adored by his many aunts, uncles and cousins. Ken married the love of his life, Nona Faye Ashcraft on November 26, 1955.  Ken and Faye raised four children and shared a home filled with love and laughter for 68 years until Faye was called home in July of 2023.  Ken devoted 40 years of his life to serving and protecting his country.  He was a member of the Air National Guard, retired from the Little Rock Police Department as a Lieutenant with 20 years of service. He would also work for the Benton and Hot Springs Village Police Departments, and the Montgomery and Saline County Sheriff Offices. Ken was also a Master Mason for over 50 years and a member of Congo Lodge 743 of Benton.

Ken is preceded in death by his wife, Faye; daughter, Christy Smyth;  great- grandson, Hunter Adcox; and parents, Nettie and Armor.

He is survived by daughters, Lynnette Durham of Bryant, Tammy Lawson (Chuck) of Bryant; son, Mike Durham (Vickie) of Benton; son-in-law, James Smyth of Tull and adopted daughter, Barbara Redfern of Danville; grandchildren, Shauna Russell (Kelly), Traci Cole (Brett), Allen Lawson (Ashlea), Brandi Smyth, Dallas Pettus, Cole Durham (Emily) and Hailey Luckett (Jacob); and great-grandchildren, Kolbe, Sydnee, Joshua, Joseph, Montana, Drake, Jordyn, Blakely, Willa, Luke, Everett, Makenzie, and Lane.

Pallbearers: Kolbe Russell, Joshua Lawson, Joseph Lawson, Montana Smyth, Drake Pettus and honorary pallbearers, Luke and Everett Luckett

Ken was affectionately known as "Bull" to friends, and "Pop" or "Poppa" to family and was a larger-than-life figure at the head of a large and loving family. The Durham family are a collection of tight knit members – strong, competitive, and passionate, but all with a deep love and respect for Pop and Gram.

Ken was an example to all the men in the family of what a man of God was to be. He was quick with a kind word or encouragement, yet fierce and confident in the defense of his family. His laugh was contagious, and he wore his love of his family like a badge of honor.

Ken never shied away from family responsibilities. More than once, he stepped back into the father role when needed. None of his kids or grandkids lacked that father figure in their lives because he was ever willing to step in and accept that role.

Ken commanded respect without ever having to demand it. His lifelong ties with friends and fellow police officers long after his retirement speaks volumes of the respect they had for him. The love and devotion shown by his family are unmatched in today's society. It's a love that can only be strengthened and fortified by God's everlasting love.

It's been said, some wounds never heal; they just stop bleeding. It feels like this and in some respects, this is true, but only for our worldly bodies and hearts. Those who journey on from this point forward will have an emptiness and a sadness for what we've lost, but a salve for that wound is the knowledge that Ken is in the presence of the Lord our God. He's with Gram, and Christy and all those that have gone before, and he waits for us. We are secure and comforted in the knowledge that we will see him again and will join him at the throne of God where we will once again be made whole.

Ken's celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 18th, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. with the visitation one hour prior at Hurricane Lake Baptist Church: 2516 Springhill Rd, Benton, Arkansas 72022. He will be laid to rest at Forest Hills following his service.