Dear Randy, Tyler, Cobbs & Smiths:

I just learned recently of Ben's untimely passing and I was extremely sorry to hear. We had many good times with the Smith family starting back in the 1970's and through the many years to follow. Corliss and Randy & their two sons were very dear friends. We watched Ben grow up both in the Lubbock area & Arkadelphia. I know that Ben & Corliss are now reunited in Heaven. Someday we will all be together again. May God bless all the family & bring peace to all of you during this Holiday Season.
Sunday, December 21, 2014

Ben and I first began friends while he was an undergrad at the University of Oklahoma. We would get together every Monday evening to spend several hours watching that week's video recordings of The X-files, Deep Space 9, and Babylon 5 TV series -- watch an episode, spend a half hour or more talking about what we'd seen, then watch the next one, and later on throw in some amusing complaints about plot holes in the latest James Bond flick. Sometimes we'd be up to all hours, one moment being intellectually serious and the next moment being goofy with the most horrible puns in that high energy silliness characteristic of college kids hanging tou with friends after a full day at a challenging academic program.

After he graduated and married, both our lives became fairly busy, so we didn't see each other face to face very often. He once told me he would never be very good about writing back but appreciated every letter and card I sent him, and the last time we saw each other face to face, his wife and Ben and I had a wonderful time together, with a characteristically enthusiastic hug good-bye when they had to leave.

I will miss Ben. He has been a loving friend, both when we saw each other every Monday and later when we would see each other only once every five or more years, and I am glad that he was a part of my life.
Monday, March 31, 2014

I am so saddened by the loss of one of my most outstanding math students. I enjoyed so much the years of working with him in Mathcounts. The trip to National Mathcounts was so much fun. He was a great mathematician. I can still see him walking past my room at Goza Jr. high reading a book. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He was a wonderfully talented and kind young man.

Friday, March 28, 2014

I'm thinking that when he got to heaven, Alton greeted him and they are working on some math or physics problem together. Once Alton told me that Ben had told his mother something like "We have to face facts, Mom, I'm just a nerd." Randy, I'm thinking of you in this heartfelt time.
Friday, March 28, 2014

Ben, you were my best friend for 9 years, my husband for 8, and I'm so glad we remained friends for the years that followed. Your family was my family, your joys were my joys, and your struggles were my struggles. I have such a deep sadness in me. I will miss you.

Tyler, Randy, Ruth, Smiths, Cobbs, and Williams - Thank you for the opportunity to remember Ben and to say goodbye at his memorial service.

Sincerely, Susan
Thursday, March 27, 2014