Benjamin E. Smith, 81, of Beaumont, died April 25, 2008 at Vitas Hospice in the Memorial Hermann Hospital at Memorial City in Houston.
He was born June 13, 1926 in Gilbertown, Alabama, but was reared in Waynesboro, Mississippi. Benjamin was a Navy veteran having served in the Pacific Theater in World War II. He lived in the Beaumont area for thirty years and was a Mason and retired pipe fitter.
Benjamin is preceded in death by his brothers, James Earl Smith, and Charles Edward Smith; his sisters, Irma Glynn Wright, and Edna Earl Parsons; and stepdaughter, Clydelle Jane Vincent. He is also preceded in death by his first wife, June Elenore Gibson Smith and his second wife, Thelma Joyce Richard Smith. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Louise Stanley and his brother, Ralph Thomas Smith, Sr.
He is survived by his son, Benjamin Evans Smith, Jr. and his wife Pamela Oliver Smith of Friendswood and their two sons, Dustin Evans Smith and Derek Oliver Smith; his daughter, Denise June Smith Werst of Houston; stepsons, Ernie Leonce Vincent, Richard Hardy Vincent, Sr. and his wife Kay, and David Wayne Vincent and his wife Ana; step grandchildren, Richard Hardy Vincent, Jr. and Carrie Lynn Stadjuhar and her husband Mark; and other loving family members.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2008 at Broussard’s Chapel, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A gathering of family and friends will begin Monday 8:00 a.m. until service time at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Kidney Foundation, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 1010, Rockville, Maryland 20852.
