Benjamin Dale Bashaw Jr., age 66, of Fayetteville, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026. He was born on March 4, 1960, in Houston, Texas. His parents, Benjamin Dale Bashaw Sr., and Patricia Buck Bashaw preceded him in death.
Survivors are his wife, Vickie McGuire Bashaw; a son, Brodie Bashaw; a sister, Julie Henry (Russ); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation arrangements are by Nelson Berna Funeral Home.
Growing up in south Texas, Ben spent his childhood in Houston, Washington, and Waller, Texas, before graduating high school and attending Harding University in Searcy, Ark., where he made lifelong friends as a member of Alpha Tau. After graduating from Harding, Ben decided to pursue a master’s degree in finance and business administration at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. After landing a job at Tyson Foods, Ben felt blessed to be given a long-term assignment in Montreal, Canada, when Tyson acquired a chicken company there. He loved his time in Canada, using it to explore the northeastern United States. Ben later worked at Central States Manufacturing before taking a job at Paramount Metals, where he worked until his passing.
In 1989, Ben married Vickie McGuire, and they enjoyed almost 37 years of adventure, always full of fun times. They shared a love for travel, music, concerts, Razorback sports, and adventures, especially the outdoor kind involving hiking, biking, and skiing. Ben loved a beautiful day in the mountains on a pair of skis, but any day in the mountains was special to him, regardless of the season or activity.
After many years of prayer, Ben and Vickie welcomed Brodie Bashaw into the family in 2004. Ben wholeheartedly embraced fatherhood, spending countless hours in the yard playing all sorts of ball with his son. As Brodie grew older, Ben enjoyed his son’s participation in sports as well as watching and discussing sports with him. They shared a love for Razorback football, basketball, and baseball, attending almost all home games as well as several road games. Ben absolutely loved a beautiful fall day tailgating before a Razorback football game with family and friends while also visiting with anyone who happened to stop at their tent.
In 2018, Iva Kopaleishvili, an international student from Georgia, joined the Bashaw family, staying through high school and college. Iva is a treasured part of the Bashaw family as are his parents and sister.
Ben was passionate about helping others improve their lives. He supported causes such as schools and water well projects in developing countries. He served on the board of Habitat for Humanity, was a wonderful foster parent, and drove the church van, picking up widows and shut-ins for services. Ben shared his love for helping others by financially supporting Fellowship Bible Church, Track Ministries, Loving Choices, and Saving Grace as well as many more organizations. If someone needed help in any way, Ben was always the person to count on.
Ben will be remembered for his kindness to others and love for his family, especially his sister Julie. We will remember his Christian faith, dry sense of humor, and unwavering commitment to friends and family. To say he will be missed is an understatement.
A memorial visitation celebrating Ben’s life will be held on Sunday, August 2, from 4–6 p.m. in the Fellowship Fayetteville foyer. Friends and loved ones are invited to drop in, share memories, and celebrate the life and legacy of Ben Bashaw.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:
- Fellowship Bible Church at fellowshipnwa.org/50by50
- Harding University: To send a gift by check, make the check to “Harding University” and write in memory of Ben Bashaw in the memo line. The gift can be sent to:
- Harding University Advancement; 915 East Market Ave.; Box 12238; Searcy, AR 72149
- To give electronically, visit harding.edu/give/give-now/ and enter Ben Bashaw in the area marked for memorial gifts.
- Saving Grace at savinggracenwa.org/give
- Dedicate the donation to Ben Bashaw