Ben Smith

Ben Smith

Marietta, GA  – Ben Smith, 81, beloved husband of Betty Jean Beasley Smith, entered into rest Wednesday morning, September 11, 2013 while at his most favorite place in the world—his lake home at Clark’s Hill—and surrounded by his family.  Funeral services will be held at the James Funeral Home Chapel in Wrens on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 12:30PM with Dr. Stan Littleton officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Wrens Memorial Cemetery.

Ben was one of four children born to the late Mamie Lou Crutchfield Smith and the late Albert Smith in Wrens where he lived until 1951 when he enlisted in the US Air Force working as a MP with the 9th Air Police Squadron achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant and being honorably discharged in 1959. While in service, he was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, Occupation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. After leaving the Air Force, he met and eventually wed his “Bett” who was also from Wrens. Shortly thereafter, he went to work for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. where he remained a loyal employee and retired with over 35 years of service. While with Goodyear, he was transferred multiple times in and around GA with a 7-year stint in Hoover, AL before landing in Marietta GA. His leisure time was spent with his cherished family, vacationing at the beach or up at Clark’s Hill, golfing with friends, watching NASCAR, baseball and football—Roll Tide!!—with his son, laughing with his daughter, sitting by the Chattahoochee River with his bride, listening to Elvis songs and working in the yard. Upon retirement, Ben found new joy in his grandchildren, “Shiney” and “Reasie”. He once said that he felt like he had gotten a second chance to be a father since so much of his time was taken up with work while his own children were young. However, both his children and his wife know that he was a wonderful Dad, exceptional role model and loving provider. Ben walked the straight and narrow and was as honest as the day is long. He was known for his quiet reserve and was respected by all as being a “Good Man”.  Ben will be greatly missed.

Ben was also preceded in death by his brother, Grover “Buddy” Smith, whom he idolized; and his sister, Marjorie S. Rowland, whom he adored. Other survivors include his two children, Michael S. Smith (Susanne) and Donna M. Goss (Dan); his sister, Frances Channell (Joe); two grandchildren, Cheyenne S. Goss and S. Rease Smith; several nieces and nephews, all of whom he treasured and loved dearly; and many friends. Serving as pallbearers will be John Bryan, Samuel Rowland, Billy Rowland, Allen Rowland, Kenneth Channell and Leon Marriott.  Honorary pallbearers will be David Bryant and Jesse Huff.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home on Saturday, September 14, 2013 before the funeral services from 10:30AM-12:30PM.

Deepest appreciation goes to Linda and Marylynn Channell for being Ben's angels on earth.  Also to Sugar, his special guardian angel.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Wrens UMC Building Fund, 202 Russell St, Wrens GA 30833 or to the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Development Office, 1762 Clifton Rd, Ste 1400, Atlanta GA 30322.



*********************************************************
The Good Confession
1 Timothy 6: 11-12 NKJV

11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and
pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience,
gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on
eternal life, to which you were also called and have
confessed the good confession in the presence of
many witnesses.

Victory
II Timothy 4: 6-8 NKJV

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink
offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought
the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and
not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

---