Benjamin E. Smith
SPRINGVALE - Benjamin E. (Ben) Smith, 96, a longtime resident of Springvale, died on Nov. 15, 2013, at the Greenwood Center in Sanford.
He was born on June 11, 1917, in Springvale, a son of Benjamin F. and Josephine E. (Knox) Smith.
He attended a one-room schoolhouse in his early childhood and graduated from Sanford High School with the Class of 1936.
Following graduation, with his strong work ethic and determined spirit, he entered the Goodall Mills. He worked at the Sanford Die Lab and other local textile mills in the area. The position he held most often was in the laboratory.
When the United States entered into World War II, Ben enlisted into the United States Air Force.
Returning to his hometown, Ben was employed as a foreman for the Pioneer Plastic Company and retired from Hussey Manufacturing in North Berwick.
Ben loved hunting and gardening and was a dedicated tree farmer. He earned his pilot's license and flew single-engine planes out of the Sanford Airport.
He and his wife, Virginia, enjoyed day trips to the White Mountains and riding the Cog Railway in New Hampshire.
Ben was a faithful member of the Springvale First Baptist Church and a 50-year member of the Springvale Masonic Lodge # 190 AF&AM.
He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Donna Smith, of Springvale; his grandson, Michael Smith, of Ogunquit; and his two nieces, Christina Smith, of North Berwick, and Judy Smith of Vermont.
Mr. Smith was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Virginia (Gauthier) Smith, on Dec. 30, 1999, his son, Harold Smith, on July 15, 2005, and his brother, Calvin Smith, in 1977.
At Mr. Smith's request, all services were private.
Memorial donations may be made to the Solamor Hospice, 23 Spring Street, Scarborough, Maine 04074.
To leave a message of condolence for his family, please visit www.autumngreenfuneralhome.com.
The Autumn Green Funeral Home is respectfully handling arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more