Benjamin Lee Smith, Jr.

Benjamin Lee (Ben) Smith, Jr., 95, passed away peacefully at his home at River Landing in Colfax on Tuesday, May 15th. Affectionately known as “Granddaddy” to his family, he was born in Spartanburg, SC to Ben L. Smith, Sr. and Pearl Abernethy Smith.

Ben spent his early years in Shelby, NC, and moved to Greensboro as a teenager when his father became Superintendent of the Greensboro City Schools. After graduating from Greensboro Senior High School, he earned a B.S. degree from Duke University, where he was a member of several scholastic honor fraternities and ODK, the national leadership fraternity. He was also president of his chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity. After graduation, Ben completed U. S. Navy OCS at Notre Dame and was commissioned in 1943. He served in combat aboard submarines, including the USS Brill (SS-330), in the South Pacific.

At the end of World War II, Ben married his college sweetheart and the love of his life, Frances “Panky” Winslow, and began his early career in the Engineering Department of Cone Mills Corporation in Greensboro. After serving ten years at Cone and achieving a perfect score on the NC Professional Engineers Examination, he founded his own consulting engineering firm, Ben L. Smith, Jr. and Associates. His professional affiliations included membership in the National Society of Professional Engineers and the Professional Engineers of North Carolina, where he served as President of the North Piedmont Chapter. He was past President of the Greensboro Engineers Club, a member of the North Carolina Society of Surveyors, and a Fellow and past President of the North Carolina Chapter of ACSM.

An Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow, Ben attended the first National Scout Jamboree, held in Washington, DC in 1937. Following his example, all of his sons and some of his grandsons are Eagle Scouts. Ben was an active supporter of the Boy Scouts of America for over 60 years and served as a past President of the former General Greene Council. He was awarded the Silver Beaver for his decades of adult leadership and service to scouting.

One of the first residents of River Landing, he thoroughly enjoyed playing golf with his buddies. Other lifelong interests included bird hunting, fishing, RV camping, and spending time with his family and friends. He is remembered as a warm, kind, intelligent, and generous man who was loved and respected.

Ben loved the Lord and had a passion for youth. He served on the Board of Directors of Youth for Christ and participated in fundraising activities for many years. He was also an active member of Trinity Church, where he was on the Board of Elders and taught Sunday School. Previously, he and Panky were charter members of Christ United Methodist Church, where he also served faithfully.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Mary Blair S. Robinson, and a daughter, Susan Blair Smith. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Panky Smith, and four children: Ben C. Smith (Marty), Tommy Smith (Peggy), Sally Smith Sikes (Barry), and David Smith (Leigh); ten grandchildren: Jennifer Smith Lachesky (Mike), Benji Smith (Laura), Michele Pfeiffer (John), Courtney Smith Brunson (Tyler), Shelby Sikes Ijames (Dustin), Chelsy Sikes Helton (Mike), Sarah Smith Binion (Tommy), William Smith, Benjamin Smith (Cori), and Alexander Smith; twelve great-grandchildren; and several McCrory and Robinson nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful caregivers at River Landing and Hospice, as well as to Debra Chambliss, for the loving and compassionate care provided to Granddaddy and Panky.

Following a private graveside service, a memorial service will be held at Trinity Church, 5200 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro, NC, 27410 at 11:00 am on Friday, May 18th. Visitation will follow the memorial service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Church or Youth for Christ, 917 N. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27401.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Smith family with arrangements.