William Benton Burns "The Flying Florist" born on August 11, 1937 joined our Lord on Thursday, February 9, 2012 after a year and a half battle with cancer. Family and friends were at his side, which was an important characteristic of Ben's life. Ben was a true friend to everyone who had the pleasure to meet him. Survived by wife and companion of 24 years Connie; children, Phil, Kenny, Jill, Pattie (Glenn) and Traci (Curtis); sister, Dorothy Lou; eight grandchildren, Danielle, Cody, Jessica, Jordan, Taylor, Ellie, Makenna and Lauren; one great-grandchild, Zevyn; several nieces and nephews; special friends Chuck, Jack, Frank, Kenny and Gordon. Ben was born in Tucson and graduated from Tucson High School. He worked at and eventually owned the family Florist business. Ben started his dirt track racing career in the late 1950's and continued thru the early 1970's. Known as the "Flying Florist" and/or the "Bullet", he was one of the most colorful and popular of the many sprint car drivers from Tucson. He is an inductee in the Tucson Racing Hall of Fame and the Arizona Sprint Car Hall of Fame where he is in the top 10 for all time wins. After much racing success, a highlight in recent years for Ben was the opportunity to drive the "Twister", a supercharged dirt track super modified he competed against for much of his racing career that was built by Hank Arnold in 1962. Memorial Service will be Friday, February 17, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Real Life Christian Fellowship, 3353 N. Houghton Rd., Tucson, AZ 85749. Celebration of life party will be immediately following the service at the Panagakos residence. Address provided at the service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Benton Burns Memorial Fund. Address donations to Real Life Christian Fellowship and specify Benton Burns Memorial Fund. Thank you for all the Love and Support! Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Dodge Chapel.