Benjamin Kent Smith

Benjamin Kent Smith, 75, husband of 49 years to Betty Ann Grosser Smith, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2015 at his residence. He was born September 4, 1939, in Chicago, IL, and was the son of the late Carl and Ruth Smith. He served two years in the United States Army 1st Calvary division. While serving in Korea he was the first serviceman to successfully complete the Red Cross Swim and Fit program which included a 50 mile swim. He was employed by the Seaman Corporation for 34 years before retiring and starting his own roof consulting business. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church where he taught middle school boys Sunday School for 15 years, was a deacon, assisted with Awana and lead a small group with his wife. Aside from his deep faith in Christ, he will mostly be remembered for how dearly he loved and adored his wife. He was known by many as the “Silver Fox” and he always had a tall tale to tell. He was an avid racquetball player, loved traveling, working sudoku puzzles, deep sea fishing and spending time with his sons and their families. He had a smile that could light up a room. He is survived by his wife Betty, three sons and their wives, Michael and Debbie Smith, David and Jessica Smith, and Benjamin and Melissa Smith, and six grandchildren, Zachary, Abby, Nathan, Josslyn, Bryleigh and Judah, a brother William Smith, and sisters Karen Miller and Linda Clifford. He was predeceased by his parents and a daughter, Brenda Suzanne. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, January 17 at 3:30 PM at Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network, PO Box 140, Stillwater, MN 55082.