Benjamin J. Smith, age 87, of Anderson, SC, son of the late O. Norman and Cora McCown Smith, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Rainey Hospice House.

Benjie was a 1955 graduate of Boys High and was an insurance agent for many years. He was a member of First Presybterian Church and served in many capacities including Sunday School teacher, interim Sunday School Supervisor, head usher, and held the offices of deacon and elder. He enjoyed people and never met a stranger. He was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman and hunter.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Sally Fretwell Smith; sons, Mark Smith (Debbie) and Bart Smith (Janice); daughter, Cathie Neal (A.P.); son-in-law, Dexter Williams; 13 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Anne Williams; one great grandson, Samuel Cutliff; brother, Augustus McCown Smith; and brother-in-law, Bobby Fretwell.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church of Anderson with Rev. Dr. Dennis Tedder officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church Welcome Center until 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Anderson, 302 W. Whitner St., Anderson, SC 29624, Calvary Home for Children Memorial Garden, 110 Calvary Home Circle, Anderson, SC 29621, or Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621.