BENJAMIN SMITH, JR.

Benjamin was the first born to the union of Benjamin and Mildred Wood Smith, Sr. and entered the world on April 2, 1948, in Monroe, Louisiana.  Five years later his only sister, Sarah was born which completed this lovely family.  Benjamin’s grandparents were instrumental in providing him with a strong Christian background and instilled a love of reading, mathematics and the importance of higher education.   His Uncle was a career military person and taught Ben the importance of structure and hard work.   His Aunt taught him that proper etiquette and a good education are the foundation to a successful life.  She provided the template on how to embrace the finer things in life. Their teaching and discipline prompted his character development.  Their guidance undergirded his achievements. 

Benjamin was affectionately known as Ben, Junior, Daddy, G-Pa, Uncle Ben, Smitty, Goldsmith, Deacon, Dr. B., my friend, and mentor.

Ben was known as a world traveler and it all began when he took his first trip at the age of two years old, with his mother on April 4, 1950, from New York, New York to Bremerhaven, Germany on the Steam Ship – George W. Goethals.

His formative years were dress rehearsals for the multiple parts he would play in later life.  His early training began in the Ouachita County School System and culminated when he finished Carroll High School, in Monroe, Louisiana.  He studied at Mount Wachusett Community College and further studies at Wayland Baptist University and other institutions of higher learning. He was bestowed an honorary doctorate from the San Antonio Theological College under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Barbara Ann White, President, endorsed by Chancellor Rev. Dr. Ronald K. Brown.

He was a faithful follower of God’s Word throughout his life.  He found a church home every place that he lived. He was always eager to share his knowledge about Jesus and to listen to your response.   

Benjamin’s military career spanned over 23 years.  His specialty was communications, and these skills were utilized in his professional and civilian life. The US Army's Special Forces are known to the public as Green Berets — but they call themselves “the quiet professionals.” Most of his military career was spent in Special Forces.  His career as a Green Beret started with 10th Special Forces Group at Ft. Devens, Massachusetts and he was later assigned to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina as well as other locations. The highest rank he achieved was Master Sergeant. His career with Special Forces, allowed him to be unconventional, perform dangerous and complicated assignments. The assignments and details will never be known as he lived the  motto of Special Forces  “De Oppresso Liber”.  After retirement he used his communications skills in Sales, Marketing and as an educator.

Some of his hobbies included debating, playing the flute, golfing, skiing, playing dominos and chess. He was known to play four chess games simultaneously with his friends, while executing chess moves by telephone. This was before the invention and usage of the Internet and World Wide Web. 

Lionheart Warrior, Romantic Gypsy, Free-Spirited Knowledge Seeker, Intel Avatar all capture the appealing but often elusive nature of the incomparable Dr. Benjamin Smith, Jr.

The community applauds the final earthly performance of this educator, soldier, community volunteer and humanitarian who left the stage of life on January 24, 2023.  To God be the glory for such a powerful performance.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and other special loved ones. 

He leaves to cherish his precious memories; his children, Michael Smith, Andre Richardson, Kermit King, Kristy Smith, Tehmeeca McClure and Nina Smith; sister, Sarah Smith; grandchildren; Mason Smith, Tiandra Richardson, Andrea Richardson, Kristion King, Joshuah King, Karlos Harris, Kaela Mitchell, Kendall Smith, Deshawn McClure, Demond McClure and Demarco McClure; great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives, friends, followers of “Jesus The Christ” and all the people that he met during his earthly journey.

The family is requesting no flowers.  In lieu of flowers, those desiring to honor the memory and legacy of Benjamin Smith Jr, please send donations to the Green Beret Foundation, 14351 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216 or website https://fundraise.greenberetfoundation.org/give/457637/#!/donation/checkout or to the San Antonio Theological College, 205 Bargas Street, San Antonio, Texas 78210.

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