Benny A. Smith, Sr.

On Saturday, April 13, 2024, Benny Smith, affectionately known as BK, peacefully surrendered his life with us smiling as we said goodbye. Benny was born on December 13, 1941, to Alease Elvira Smith and John Henry Smith in Charleston, West Virginia. Benny was married to his forever love, Brenda Smith, in 1977 surviving 46 years of matrimony.

  Benny leaves behind his children, Bennie Smith Jr. of Gastonia, North Carolina; Richard and April Smith of Suffolk, Virginia; Laura Gordon also of Gastonia; Adrian and Elly Smith of  Niles, Michigan; and Virginia Smith also of Gastonia; 19 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; his siblings, Clarence and Dorothy Smith of Milford, Connecticut; Isaiah and Tootsie Coleman of Cross Lanes, West Virginia; Alvin and Norma Smith of Dunbar, West Virginia; Raymond Smith of Roanoke, Virginia; David and Cookie Smith of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania; Florine Williams also of Bridgeport; Ramona and Roy Rogers of Bridgeport, Connecticut and Stephanie and Greg Lewis of Richmond, Virginia, along with many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends. Benny is preceded in death by his parents John and Alease Smith, brothers, Robert Leo Smith and John Henry Smith Jr. along with his sister, Alice Blackwell Smith.

Benny was an athlete who played numerous sports when he was healthy, including bowling, baseball, softball and you could always catch him out enjoying fishing. Benny had a love for the casino and you could always find him smiling next to a “cha-ching” machine. He retired from Manhumel as a forklift driver with 25 years of service. Benny was a member of the Martin Luther King Men’s Group where he donated his time and resources back to the community.

The family would like to thank Jerry and Birdie Green for all of the help and support with BK’s care. Benny always called Birdie his second wife. The family would also like to thank South Bend Cardiology and the team at Davita Kidney for all of their care and compassion they demonstrated to Benny.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, April 26th at Pinhook Pavilion 2801 Riverside Dr. South Bend, IN 46616 from 5-7 PM EST. Benny will be laid to rest at a later date in Bridgeport, CN. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Adrian Smith at 1003 Oak Street Niles, MI 49120 or at the time of the service.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Benny A. Smith, Sr., please visit our floral store.