Ben W. Smith

Ben Wofford Smith, 78, of Sarasota, FL died April 16, 2012. He was born on February 26, 1934 in Gastonia, NC and raised and educated in Charlotte, NC. He received his Engineering Degrees from the University of North Carolina and the University of South Florida.

Ben had a love of airplanes at an early age. He joined the U.S. Marines and served for four years in the Marine Air-Wing, working on his beloved Corsairs. After service, he earned his private pilot license.

He belonged to several private plane clubs and airplane organizations.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Hoke and Mamie Smith, his younger brother, Charles Smith and great grandson, Christopher Weaver, Jr.

He is survived by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart of 57 years, Elaine; three daughters, Jeanne Smith (Bruce Winter) of Sarasota, Jacqueline Weaver (Curtis) of Sarasota and Judith James (Jeffrey) of Tampa; two sisters, Rachel Smith of Charlotte, NC and Joanne Gorman of Rochester, NY; a brother, Guy Smith of Tampa; eight grandchildren, Christopher Weaver (Lexi) of Boulder, CO, Amanda Springer (Matthew) of Sarasota, Katherine, Sarah and Elizabeth James, all of Tampa, Melissa Winter of Chicago, IL, Tiffany Winter of Sarasota and Nicholas Winter of Sebring, FL; and great grandchildren, Daniel and Andrew Springer of Sarasota.

Services will be held Monday at 10:30am at Sarasota National Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a veterans organization, in his memory.