Benjamin Harris Smith

BENJAMIN HARRIS SMITH, Sr. was born to the late James Lester and Johnnie Belle High Smith on February 25, 1952, in Johnston County. He attended White Rock AME Church in Micro and always made sure the church was clean and ready for worship. He was selected and received the Outstanding Man of the Year Award for White Rock at the 2010 Annual Conference. Ben or "Benky" as he was affectionately called by his relatives and friends, was a 1970 graduate from North Johnston High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. After graduation from high school, he attended Wayne Community College in Goldsboro. N.C. He is survived by three children: Deirdre Smith of Wilson; Judge Kelvin Smith and Ben (Battista) Smith of Greensboro; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Hettie Marie Revell of Selma; Wilma Delois Gainey, Durham, John (Laura) Smith, Durham; Shirley Sherard, Selma; Paulette Bryant, Micro; Raymond (Hannah) Smith, Durham; Millard Ivy Smith, Micro; Edna (Dan) Blue, Raleigh; Turner (Ilene) Smith, Raleigh; Malcolm (Gwen) Smith, Coca, Florida; Byron (Laurie) Smith, Aberdeen, Maryland; Christopher Bernard (Yvonne) Smith, Raleigh. His Brother, James Floyd Smith, preceded him in death. He is also survived by one aunt, Jean High, Washington, D.C., his children's mother Vernell Smith, Wilson, NC, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. On February 3, 2021, God dispatched an angel to bring Ben home to dwell throughout eternity. A private memorial service will be held for the family at a later date.