Obituary for Benny Smith

Ponca City Now - November 21, 2017 4:06 pm

Benny Lee Smith

(April 26, 1934 – November 21, 2017)

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Benny Lee Smith of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died early Tuesday morning, November 21, 2017, in the Alliance Health – Ponca City at the age of 83 years.

Benny Lee Smith was born on April 26, 1934, in Marmaduke, Arkansas, to Jonah Newton and Helen Louise (Harvey) Smith. As a young boy he moved with his family to Blackwell where grew up and attended Blackwell Public Schools graduating in 1952. Following his education he married Georgia Lee Rader on January 6, 1954, in Newkirk, Oklahoma, and they settled in Blackwell where he worked in maintenance at the Blackwell Zinc Company until 1974. He then began working in the maintenance department at Electron Corporation until his retirement in 1996. His wife preceded him in death on January 25, 2006, and he continued to make Blackwell his home. He was a member of the Elk’s Lodge and the Blackwell Men’s Gold Association. He enjoyed playing golf and building golf clubs. He also enjoyed fishing.

He is survived by a daughter, Jona Cantrell and husband Jeff of Tonkawa; a son, Rick Smith of Bartlesville; a sister, Barbara Smith of Ardmore; two brothers, Jimmie Smith of Oceanside, California, and Tommie Smith of Houston, Texas; six grandchildren, Adam Smith and wife Kristy of Clairmont, Florida, Benjamin Smith of Natchitoches, Louisiana, Ian Smith of Stillwater, Blay Cantrell of Stillwater, Joslyn Cantrell of Tonkawa, and Cole Cantrell; and a great grandchild, Peyton Cantrell of Tonkawa.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; and a close friend, Allie Collyar.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Saturday, December 2nd in the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel with James W. Roberts officiating.

Serving as honorary casketbearers will be his six grandchildren.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the Blackwell High School Golf Teams in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.