I met Ben when he started working with Donnie in a little salon off Piedmont. Since then I've followed him from salon to salon and would never let anyone else touch this head!
Over the years we have grown to know each other talking about family, friends, fun, and finances. We celebrated the good times and worked through some bad ones too. When my husband of 25+ years was terminally ill, Ben came to the hospital to cut his hair and "make him beautiful".  We celebrated when, a month later, my husband came home with a heart transplant. 
I will miss Ben terribly and I hope that Brandon and the rest of the family cherish all these memories.
You will never forget, but time will bring comfort.

I am so sorry to hear this.  I have known Ben for the last 15 years.  He cut my and all of my boy’s hair.  Devastating to hear this, he was such a great spirit.  My heart goes out to Brandon.

I’m truly heartbroken to have learned of Bens passing. I’ve worked with Ben for many years at 4 different salons. I have so many happy memories of him and the many hilarious shenanigans we shared together.
Ben always had that big kid energy with a smile to match.  You honestly couldn’t have a bad day around him.  He gave so much laughter to us all. 
I hope that his beloved Brandon, Mother, Sister and Niece are able to find peace. The ceremony was beautiful. I’d like to thank Martina and Emily especially. He would have loved the music and poetry.

I’ve never met anyone like Ben before and I never will again.  His compassion and empathy were majestic. He loved his family and friends so deeply and purely  & his  light was so beautiful and bright - it was impossible to miss.  We had a beautiful friendship I’ll always cherish - That light will always shine.  

How do I begin? I’ve know Ben since I was 16 and I am now 38. I remember watching Ben fall in love with Brandon from the very beginning. I slept on the couch with Pepe and Ben’s dog (what was her name?) that Brandon would occasionally give the side eye to. We laughed, we worked together,  we had so much fun. We were young and dumb. I have so many memories that have all come rushing back. From experiencing my first Pride in Atlanta. I always knew Ben and Brandon had my back and best interest at heart. Ben told me when I picked the wrong boys and told me I deserved better. So much joy and so many treasured memories of time spent together. Love you Ben.

Ben has been cutting my hair for over 20 years. He had a skill with not only people and forming relationships but also in his profession as a hairdresser.  It could be difficult for anyone to live up to his expertise in hairstyling.  I have had many people mimic my hairstyle based on Bens's great work.  Beyond his incredible hairdressing skills, Ben had an incredible smile, wit, and was a great conversationalist who was a complete joy to see every other Saturday.  I can never remember Ben having any bad words for anyone; he would always say "he just didn't understand them"  I will greatly miss Ben, he was my confidant, my Saturday Friend, and an awesome haircutter.   I will best remember his smile, his quick viewpoints, and charming wit.  From here on out I will walk into the salon and wait for him to say "Come On  Over, Mister"  The world lost a loving, caring soul in the physical sense, but I do believe that Ben is in a better place ready to give the Almighty one heck of a hairstyle!

I met Ben when I first moved to Atlanta in 2004.  He was doing my then boyfriend, now husband's hair, and so I decided to give him a try.  It was love at first hair color and cut!!  Ben always did an amazing job, and through the years, we formed a great friendship.  I always enjoyed my time with him, and we would spend hours just being silly and laughing.  We would talk about the latest celebrity gossip, tv show or book, and catch up on our lives.  Mark and I also enjoyed our time with him, and Brandon, when we would get together for dinner or to celebrate a milestone, such as their engagement.  Ben is gone far too soon, and I will miss his quick wit, sweet smile and infectious laughter.  

If you had the good fortune to meet Ben, you remember him with a smile.  He touched everyone with his gift of making you feel very special. He knew about being special. I know I was blessed to know him.

OBITUARY

John Benjamin Smith

November 20, 1976 – May 22, 2021

H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel

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