Ben was born January 20, 1935, in Plainview, Texas.
Besides his family, Ben loved music, sports, kids and animals. He was a generous, kind and fun loving man. He cared about the "little guy," and always tried to help those less fortunate than he to achieve their dreams, whether it was a budding musician, an at-risk child who wanted to attend a motivational basketball camp, or a stray animal.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Joan Chandler Smith; his children, Randee Smith Prez, Ben Smith, Jr. and Tracy Smith Todd; sons-in-law, Dave Prez and George Todd; grandchildren, Montana Stovall, Mikeela Stovall, Madison Prez and Lainey Todd; two great-grandchildren, Lyla Hanshew and Indigo Stovall; his faithful pets, Jazz and Willie.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be sent to Slam Dunk for Life Education, P.O. Box 791066, San Antonio, TX 78279, www.slamdunkforlife.org.
