Benjamin Franklin Smith

June 23, 1929 - March 15, 2012
Benjamin Franklin Smith

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Benjamin Franklin Smith, 82, of Hendersonville, N.C. died unexpectedly Thursday, March 15, 2012.

Born June 23, 1929 in Colver, PA, Ben was preceded in death by his parents George E. Smith and Jessie M. Smith and brother George E. Smith Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years Kathey Smith, two brothers, David H. and Ray V. Smith and three sisters Betsy Kane, Alice Pillock, and Letty Morgan. He is also survived by four children, one stepdaughter, and two stepgrandchildren.

Ben spent his childhood in Ebensburg, PA and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1948. In 1970, Ben was made a Master of the Royal Secret of the 32 Degree of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Ben was a talented licensed general contractor and the owner of The Swiss Chalets in Asheville for over 25 years. He was an experienced hunter and made many trips to Colorado, Wyoming, and Canada. Ben was also a passionate pilot and flew his own planes for many years. Throughout his life, Ben enjoyed gardening and birds with a special interest in rhododendron, azaleas and blue birds.

A visitation will be held at Shuler Funeral Home in Hendersonville Monday, March 19 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. A 7:00 p.m. service will follow in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org, select Donate Now.


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  • March 18, 2012
    Kimberly Louise Sparks says:
    My sympathy goes out to all of the forgotten family that was not mentioned. He is survived by eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren from his previous marriage. We may have been absent in his life due to the fact of his loving wife but was never forgotten by anyone. He will be missed by all. Kimberly Louise Sparks and Sons, Randle and Jacob. Daughter and grandchildren of Susan Smith Sparks and Johnny T. Sparks.

  • March 19, 2012
    Stella Littleton says:
    We will miss Ben's smiling face here at First Citizens in Skyland and are very sorry for your loss.

  • March 19, 2012
    Dawn Rudisill says:
    I would have to agree with my cousin Kim completely. My sympathy goes out to my mom, uncle, and aunts for the loss of their Father. It is sad that he never knew any of us Grandchildren or Great Grandchildren. I will say Rest in Peace Mr. Smith for you will not be missed by me and mine. You can not miss someone you never knew. Dawn Hughes Rudisill and Sons, Tyler and Logan. Daughter and grandsons of Barbara Smith Baker.

  • March 19, 2012
    Dottie Taube says:
    TO THE FAMILY OF BEN, I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. HE WAS A GOOD MAN AND I WILL MISS HIM ALSO.