Mr. Benjamin F. Smith, Jr. transitioned to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 13, 2021 while surrounded by his loving family in Dover, Delaware. Graveside funeral services were held on Monday, December 6, 2021, at 3:00 P.M. in the Hubbard Chapel Baptist Church of Wrightsville with Pastor Tramine Tarver officiating.
Mr. Smith, affectionately known as “Ben,” “Brother,” “Bro,” “Pop,” “Poppy,” “Dad,” “Old Man,” “Pop Pop,” and “Diddy” was the son of the late Mr. Benjamin F. Smith, Sr. and the late Mrs. Viola M. Smith. He was born on December 30, 1937, in Alliance, North Carolina. Benjamin was an entrepreneur, owning Benjamin F. Smith, Jr. Construction and Masonry Inc. for over forty (40) years. Later in life he worked with his brother at Matthew L. Smith Inc. Some of Mr. Smith’s most notable works included his contributions at the Carvel Academy, R.C. Peoples Inc., housing developments, and countless homes throughout the state of Delaware. Ben was a member of the Emmanuel AME Church in Hartly, Delaware. He was described as a wise, loving, and caring family man. Mr. Smith was said to have a “heart of gold” and would “give you the shirt off his back.” Mr. Smith was a hard worker, often working from sunrise to sunset. He was determined to provide for his family. Benjamin was the oldest brother of his siblings and laid the foundation for his younger brothers to work in the field of Masonry. He often prided himself as the “Best Brick Layer” in the world. Mr. Smith had a passion for listening to the word of God. His favorite hymn was “Come by Here Lord.” He enjoyed watching wrestling and western movies. His family says that there were few reasons why Benjamin would leave work early, and attending a WWE pay-per-view was one. Ben enjoyed watching steel cage matches, and some of his favorite performers included: Chief J. Strongbow, Rick Flair, Bob Backlin, The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Jimmy ‘Super Fly’ Snuka, and Dusty Rhodes. Mr. Smith loved to smile, and a sausage and egg sandwich from Helen’s Famous Sausage House along with a cold Pepsi would do the trick every time. Two of his favorite sayings were, “It’s a big, big world out there!” and “stay out of married folks’ business!”
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Bessie M. Wilson Smith; parents, Mr. Benjamin F. Smith, Sr. and Mrs. Viola M. Smith; son, Mr. Benjamin F. Smith, III; daughters, Ms. Malitha Sample and Ms. Calporenia James; brother, Mr. John M. Smith; sister, Ms. Roberta Potts; mother-in-law, Mrs. Linnie M. Wilson; father-in-law, Mr. John H. Wilson; and brothers-in-law, Mr. David Wilson, Mr. Johnny Wilson, Mr. Nathaniel Wilson, and Mr. Jimmy Wilson
Mr. Smith leaves to cherish his memories, his children, Mr. George H. Smith, Pensacola, Florida, Ms. Dolissa Phillips, Baltimore, Maryland, Ms. Alice Smith, York, Pennsylvania, Mr. James A. Wilson, Dover, Delaware, Mrs. Angela C. (Carlton) Wilson Bowers, Dover, Delaware, Ms. Joyce M. Wilson, Dover, Delaware, and Mrs. Barbara (Howard) Murrey, Wilmington, Delaware; son-in-law, Mr. Jeffrey L. James, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; siblings, Mr. William (Shirley) Smith, Dover, Delaware, Mr. Matthew L. (Rosa) Smith, Dover, Delaware, Mr. James A. (Dorothy) Smith, Dover, Delaware, Mr. Tom (Lavenia) Smith, Dover, Delaware, Ms. Elizabeth Massey, Dover, Delaware, and Mrs. Alice (Norwood) Coleman, Wilmington, Delaware; sister-in-law, Ms. Edie M. Wilson, Tennille; twenty (20) grandchildren; twenty (20) great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and coworkers.
M.C. Smith Funeral Home in charge.