As a young, and new, officer assigned to Overton Square walking detail in the late 70's, the first place I went to as part of the assignment was TGI Friday's.  Archie was the first "doormen" I ever encountered. Huge, stoic smile, menus and bar towel in hand, he was one of the most intimidating people by just his presence alone. However, I always found him friendly, cordial and very professional in his customer service.  Archie literally watched over every customer to make sure they were well treated. On occasion, one of the customers would get out of hand and all it took was that "Archie glance" to bring peace and order back. 
On the few times he would call us to remove somebody, he was very emphatic that we be as quiet about it as possible so as not to disturb the other guests.  He never wanted the offender punished severely under the law merely to give the offender a lesson to behave themselves in the future. He was good enough to allow them to return as long as they behaved themselves.

Archie was a gentleman through and though. I recall several local bodybuilders remarking that messing with him would be like tackling a grizzly bear. Yet they also remarked he was one of the kindest guys you would ever want to meet. 

I lost track of him over the years but am so very glad he was always successful later on in life. Archie was part of the color and character of Overton Square, and he will be, and has, been missed very much.
A kind and considerate soul who was a friend to all and never met a stranger. Always willing to offer sound advice.
The term "great man" is used a lot these past years.  I can only say I knew a very real great man years ago. His name was Archie.

There are a lot of people who got home safe and sound because he watched over them during his tenure at TGI Friday's. A lot of families never had to grieve over a tragic lost loved one, because he cared enough to send them home in a cab at his own expense.
God Bless you, Archie!  

A truly beautiful man who loved his family as much as anyone I have ever known.  Though Wanda and I are not with you today physically, we are with you spiritually. Our heart aches for the entire Bennett family, as our Favorite Razorback is laid  to rest.  Archie was a big man with a big heart and will never be forgotten by anyone who was lucky enough to have known him.  Rest In Peace my friend.

An old teammate of Archie’s wishes peace and comfort to his family. I hold fond memories of him from years ago - especially remember his big, and ever present, smile. 

WPS one more time!


One last cup of coffee from the Hampton family. You will be missed

I worked with Archie at the Hampton. He brought smiles and joy to everyone he came across. Archie, Stanley and my father Luckey were like the 3 amigos. Always laughing about the days news and the stresses of the job. Many stories told amongst them 3. Archie was a one of a kind man with a heart of gold. Mr. Archie you will be truly missed.  R.est I.n P.aradise 

It was always a pleasure seeing Archie whenever I returned to Memphis for  Millington class reunions and Taco Tuesdays at Coach Turner’s house. He was a good teammate and friend. I am fortunate to have known Archie for many years. He will be missed.

       Doug Johnson

I ROOMED WITH ARCHIE OUR FIRST YEAR IN FAYETTEVILLE, AS A RAZORBACK, AND WILL NEVER FORGET OUR FIRST MEETING. I HAD ALREADY CHECKED IN TO OUR ASSIGNED ROOM AND WONDERING WHO MY ROOMMATE MIGHT BE.  I WAS VISITING WITH ANOTHER FRESHMAN ACROSS THE HALL ,WHEN THIS HUGE SHADOW COVERED THE DOORWAY AND I LOOKED UP TO SEE THIS GIANT OF A MAN CARRYING A FOOT LOCKER OVER HIS HEAD AND SEVERAL YOUNGER KIDS AND HIS MOM FOLLOWING HIM.  I THOUGHT TO MYSELF ,WHO IN THE WORLD WAS GOING TO  ROOM WITH THIS GIANT OF A MAN, WELL , IT WAS ME,  AND THANKFUL I HAD THAT TIME WITH  ARCHIE .  WHILE NOT ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD WE WOULD BE PLAYING CHESS OR WEARING THE KIMONO HE HAD HIS AUNT SEND FROM SAMOA, WHICH I HAD TROUBLE WEARING OUTSIDE OUR ROOM,BUT ARCHIE WAS PROUD OF IT AND WORE IT THROUGH OUT WILSON SHARP HOUSE.  I WILL REMEMBER ALWAYS THIS KIND AND GENTLE MAN OFF THE FOOTBALL FIELD AND MIGHTY GLADIATOR ON THE FIELD .  THE FEW TIMES WE SPOKE OVER THE LAST 50 YEARS, HE WOULD ALWAYS TELL ME HOW PROUD HE WAS OF  HIS WIFE AND KIDS.  REST IN PEACE ARCHIE

Rest easy big guy! I still remember when I fired off a bottle rocket your way one 4th of July and you chased me all over base housing! Good, great times! 



Hello. My name is Stanley Spacil. I worked with Archie for some years. In those years Archie became something like my older brother, father figure, and mentor in one person. And most importantly a friend for life. It is little miracle to meet somebody like him and I believe, that I am a better person because of it. I can not describe the sadness that overwhelms me every time I think about him being gone from this world. I was sure, that we will meet again and that I will give him hard time about his smoking and such. The only comfort I have is that we will meet again in His Kingdom. I pray that you as his family find peace in the same way. I pray that God grants you all support and relief from your pain in this difficult time. My deepest condolences.

Oh, how we relished being dots of red in a sea of orange. Luck was not on our side but it was a great day together. RIP to one of the most special men in my life who was like a 2nd father to me, my favorite Razorback of all time. I will treasure all of our special memories, especially this day. I LOVE YOU! 

So sad to hear of Archie’s passing. Fond memories  of a big man walking the halls in high school treating everyone with respect and kindness.   Brought good times during football and representing all of us as Mr MCHS.  Rest In Peace 
 
Hershal Kelley Class of 1970

Cathy so sorry to hear about the passing of Archie.We were friends,co-workers at TGI Fridays and teammates on the Friday's softball team.God Bless you and your family at this difficult time         Gabe

Archie was a an assistant  football coach with head coach Jack Turner our freshman year 1969-70 st Raleigh Egypt HS.

Met Archie when he played football and started his freshman year.at MCHS. Archie helped us to a 7 and 3 record my senior year. Archie quietly went about taking care of business. Couldn’t ask for a better teammate. He will be missed by many. 
My deepest condolences to his family.
James Roberson 

Such a kind soul. We all loved Archie beyond his great athletic abilities. Just a great guy. RIP you will be missed. 

Proud to have called him friend, and he will be missed greatly by all who knew him. 

Archie was a member of our ‘cove’ family!   We spent many weekends and holidays with Archie and his precious family cooking out, playing volleyball, swimming, trick or treating etc.  Memories that will last a lifetime.   He was an awesome neighbor and friend and he will be very missed!   ❤️❤️❤️❤️

You will be greatly miss old friend from Arkansas and FEDEX. You will be in my prayers

Worked with Archie for several years at TGIF. Not a kinder gentler soul. Always a Gentleman & loved his family. RIP Archie !

Archie was larger than life. He was always so sweet and had such a loving and kind soul. Even if he was frowning, his eyes were smiling. 

Archie Bennett, an individual whose name returns us all to an earlier version of ourselves. Our paths parted over a half century ago with fond memories of a warm, kind individual with a ready smile and a larger than life persona. Hearing of his passing instantly recalled the innocence of all those years ago. Archie lives in our fondest memories, may he Rest In Peace.

OBITUARY

Archie Alfred Bennett

May 24, 1950 – January 27, 2022

Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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