Ben Gregory Nash "Papa", 87 of El Dorado, AR passed from this life on Wednesday October 16, 2019.

Ben was born on September 12, 1932 at Warner Brown Hospital in El Dorado, AR.

He was a 1950 Graduate of Smackover High School and went on to obtain his master's degree in education from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

He was a Korean War veteran who had many adventures in his 87 years on this earth that included being a teacher, principal, and entrepreneur. He and his wife opened Papa's Grocery in Old Union back in 1980, during that 20-year adventure he became known as "PAPA". To this day people still rave over his burgers, pinto beans, and Friday night fish plates.

Papa was the best story teller, often telling stories of his college, army, and oil field days. The best stories though were the adventures that he and his wife had over the years traveling the country and living life to the fullest.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, of 43 years, Peggy Nash; daughters, Teresa Apple (Scott) of Houston Texas and Marie Vickery of Cleveland Tennessee; his sweet-darlins, Holly Riggs (Brian) of Parkers Chapel, Ansley Phelps and Marlow Phelps of Cleveland Tennessee; three great grandchildren, Alexis, Braydon, and Trenton of Parkers Chapel as well as countless cousins and friends.

Papa was preceded in death by his parents, Dorris Benson Nash & Maudell Bell Nash; grandparents; brother James Nash; and daughter Sandra Green.

A private memorial service will follow on a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the American Legion.