Benjamin was  the first born to the union of Benjamin and Mildred (Woods) 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.  Aaron and Sarah (Webb) Woods, 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. As he became a teenager, he was mentored by his uncle Aaron and aunt Mary Alice Woods.  Uncle Aaron  was a career military man and taught Ben the importance of structure and hard work.  Aunt Mary 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.

In 1984 he married Yvonne Hurt and to this union one daughter (Nina Smith) was born.

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.

Ascending to the philosophical heights of Socrates and even higher, Ben explored rich Biblical texts with purposeful meditation for which he earned a doctorate in Theology.  Always a resolute witness, never did he tire of asking, "Are you a believer?"  He was a faithful follower of God's Word throughout his life.  He was always eager to share his knowledge about Jesus and to listen to your response.  You can often hear him say "Open up your Bible!".  Some of his favorite scriptures: Genesis 3:15, Proverbs 18:2, Psalm 118:6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:24 and John 3:36. Ben's life's journey sometimes paralleled the biblical records of King David, Peter and Paul.

He found a church home every place that he lived. Just to name a few.  He was a member of Berachah Church in Houston, Tx, under the late Dr. Robert B. Thieme, Jr. Lt. Col (ret.), and later in San Antonio, with the Zion Star Baptist Church, and the Breakthrough Church under the pastorate of Pastor Anthony Cobbs. In 2018 he joined Saint Phillip Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Pastor Ronald K. Brown. Benjamin was an industrious and a hard-working deacon in the church and professor in the "Grace Based" tuition free San Antonio Theological College. In his offices he provided loving care, Bible based discipline and cultural experience for members and students. He truly upheld the injunction that a deacon must be "apt to teach" 2 Timothy 2:24.

Of Bayou mystique and a Renaissance phenomenon, United States Special Forces Unit, Master Sergeant Major Benjamin Smith, Jr. deftly knew his way around the world!  Fluent in three languages, this culinary artist studied and plunged with full immersion into diverse cultural habitats and global ecosystems embracing many indigenous traditions, belief systems, and endearing customs.

Benjamin's military career spanned over 23 years.  His specialty was Communications, and these skills were utilized in his military 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 (mastered Jackson Hole Mountain and Killington Mountain), 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.

To dwell where the finer things in life convened was not an afterthought or impossibility but always intentional for Mr. Smith.  He donned fine clothing and custom tailoring with signature flair.

Smitty's joyful exuberance radiated noonday bright and was hypnotic - his energy filled each space where he went with "I welcome you.  You are at home."  People of all nationalities and backgrounds naturally felt comfortable around Ben and were transfixed by his charisma.

Musicianship brought special enjoyment to Junior as playing the flute was one of his favorite self-care pastimes.  Laughter was constant to his personality.  Healthy nutrition and physical conditioning were two of Ben's top daily disciplines - especially in his prime years.  While he understood that life came with challenges, he fervently believed in gaining the advantage over adversity.

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, grandchild, uncles, aunts, in-laws Charlie Hurt, Roosevelt Hurt, Nathaniel Hurt, Mary Alice Hurt and Willie Leslie as well as other special loved ones.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories; his children, Michael Smith, Andre Richardson, Kermit King, Kristy Smith, Tahmeeca 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