Benny Thomas Smith

Benny Thomas Smith, USAR (RET), was born in Los Angeles, California on September 18th, 1969. He was the kind of person who never could stay still for long, which may have been part of the reason military life suited him so well (in addition to his dedication to his country).

Benny and his wife of 33 years, Silvestre Araceli Smith (RC) were high school sweethearts. They met while Benny attended school at Roswell High in Roswell, New Mexico, and their bond supported both each other and their beautiful family through a decorated and impressive 27-year career in the United States Army.

A two-war veteran, Benny’s military awards include: the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal (6th), Army Good Conduct Medal, Commanders Award for Public Service, National Defense Service Medal (2nd), Southwest Asia Service Medal with Three Year Bronze Service, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, LTB-MDL (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Liberation Medal), Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.

Military life, though, wasn’t the be-all and end-all of Benny’s legacy. As important, and to some even more so, was the man inside and outside of the uniform. Benny Smith was more than a loving husband. His relationship with RC extended to a bond of friendship and mutual support that was seen and admired by anyone who came into their orbit. Smiling, laughing, joyful people, Benny and RC handily passed their love of life to their children, Raul, Samantha (married to Forest Eldridge) and Benny Smith Jr. (married to Samantha Levaley). Sadly and tragically, Raul Alonzo Smith preceded his father in death at the age of 18.

Benny brought joy and friendship to every person he met. A person on the street could shake Benny’s hand in the morning for the first time, and be a family member at the dinner table that night. His drive to take care of people, to provide, to shelter and to serve knew no limits, and he was good at it. Benny was a leader in living, laughing, and loving. His boisterous and positive personality won hearts and minds, even as it was prone also to driving people crazy.

He was proud to serve his nation, and proud to be a paratrooper, but of all the jobs Benny Smith had through his life, the one he treasured most was being a grandfather to Benny Jr. and Samantha’s two beautiful children Regan (6) and Payton (1).

Benny is survived by his wife, RC, children Benny and Samantha, grandchildren Regan and Payton, his younger brothers Jonathan, Sederick and Alden, and his two younger sisters, Kersandra and Amber.

Flowers/Cards/etc can be sent to Silvestre Araceli (RC) Smith at 311 Red Bud Ln, New Caney Tx 77357.

(OR: In lieu of flowers, please (donate to GoFundMe to help recover funds necessary for honoring Benny Smith at rest, at https://gofund.me/0f5e84aa )