Mr. Benjamin F. Smith, Jr.

Mr. Benjamin F. Smith, Jr. passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2021 in Dover, Delaware. Graveside services were held on Monday, December 6, 2021 at 3:00 P.M. at Hubbard Chapel Baptist Church, Wrightsville, Georgia with Pastor Tramine Tarver officiating.

Mr. Benjamin Franklin Smith, Jr., 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, NC and transitioned to be with the Lord on November 13, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.

Benjamin was an entrepreneur, he owned Benjamin F. Smith, Jr. Construction and Masonry Inc. For over forty (40) years and later in life he worked with his brother Matthew L. Smith Inc. Some of Benjamin’s most notable work was the Carvel Academy in New Castle, DE, R.C. Peoples Inc. Housing developments and building countless homes throughout the state of Delaware.

He was a member of Emmanuel AME Church, Hartly, DE. Benjamin was a wise, loving caring family man. He had a “heart of gold,” he would give you the shirt off his back. He was a hard worker, often working from sunrise to sunset. He was determined to provide for his family. He was the oldest brother and laid the foundation for his younger brothers in the field of Masonry. Benjamin often prided himself as the “Best Brick Layer” in the world.

Benjamin had a passion for listening to the word of God. (His favorite hymn was “Come by Here Lord”). He enjoyed watching WWE and WWF (wrestling) and western movies. There were very few things in life that would have Benjamin leave work early. WWE pay per view was one of them. He loved the steel cage matches. Some of his favorites were: Chief J. Strongbow, Rick Flair, Bob Backlin, The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Jimmy Super Fly Snuka and Dusty Rhodes to name a few. He was a simple man; much was not required to put a smile on his face. A sausage and egg sandwich from Helen’s Famous Sausage House and a cold Pepsi would do it every time.

Two of his favorite sayings were: It’s a BIG BIG World out there! And Stay out of Married Folks Business!

He was preceded in death by his wife: Mrs. Bessie M. Wilson Smith; parents: Mr. Benjamin F. Smith, Sr., Mrs. Viola M. Smith; son, Mr. Benjamin F. Smith, III; daughters: Ms. Malitha Sample, 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; brothers-in-law: Mr. David Wilson, Mr. Johnny Wilson, Mr. Nathaniel Wilson and Mr. Jimmy Wilson

Mr. Smith leaves to cherish fond memories, his children: Mr. George H. Smith, Pensacola, FL, Ms. Dolissa Phillips, Baltimore, MD, Ms. Alice Smith, York, PA, Mr. James A. Wilson, Mrs. Angela C. (Carlton) Wilson Bowers, Ms. Joyce M. Wilson, Dover, DE, Mrs. Barbara (Howard) Murrey, Wilmington, DE; son-in-law: Mr. Jeffrey L. James, Oklahoma City, OK; siblings: Mr. William (Shirley) Smith, Mr. Matthew L. (Rosa) Smith, Mr. James A. (Dorothy) Smith, Mr. Tom (Lavenia) Smith, Ms. Elizabeth Massey, Dover, DE, Mrs. Alice (Norwood) Coleman, Wilmington, DE; sister-in-law: Ms. Edie M. Wilson, Tennille, GA; twenty (20) grandchildren; twenty (20) great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and co-workers.