Bennie R. Smith, Sr.

On Tuesday, March 30th, 2021, Bennie "Smitty" R. Smith, Sr., father, grandpa (aka Dazo) and brother passed away and is now with his maker and love, Rosemary. Bennie was born on May 24, 1935 in Coffee Springs, AL to Daniel lee Smith and Viola (Ola) Hayes Smith. He is predeceased by his wife Rosemary M. Smith. Bennie will be remembered by his children, Bernadette M. Smith (Barry), Bennie R. Smith, Jr. and grandchildren, Rosemary Shanahan (Bryan), Kaycee Smith, Macy Smith, Ashley Smith, Eric Smith, Philip Smith and Danielle Dorgan Wells (Bob) and Riley, Rucker and Elle, by his siblings, Rachel Sabo, Colleen Cruce, and Annette Depoe ( Al ) and preceding in death by James D Smith (Dorothy), Maycelle Hoeger (John), Lillian (Dee) Nivette, Ruth Strickland (Bob), Daniel Lee Smith, Jr. (Ruth Edna), Polly Worth (Bob), Alice Jerome Smith. Bennie will also be forever remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, coworkers and dear friends. Bennie graduated Isabella High School and went with a friend to Detroit to work at Ford Motor Company for a short period time then enlisted in the United States Air force, where he served 20 years and got to travel the world. While stationed in Cheyenne, WY, he met his "Lady Bird" and after 3 months they tied the knot, and the rest is history. He graduated from Midlands Technical College and University of South Carolina with multiple certifications and degrees. After the military he worked for Deckatone (Lexington, SC), Laid Law Environmental (Bakersfield, CA) and Sun Guard, (St. Petersburg, FL) and was a warehouse manager. Then finally retired from Sam's club in Pinellas Park as a door greeter. He was an avid sports fan from the Green Bay Packers to the Tampa Bay Rays and the NBA to NASCAR. He also loved walking on the beach, taking trips to Disney, and was a devoted member of St. Jude's Catholic Church in St. Pete and St John Vianney Catholic Church in St. Pete Beach (25 years). The visitation will be held at E. James Reese Funeral Home, 6767 Seminole Blvd, Seminole, FL, 33772 on Tuesday, April 6th, 2021, at 10:00am until funeral service at 11:00am then followed by a committal service at Sarasota national cemetery at 1:00pm.