Bennie Smith Jr.

Bennie Smith Jr. NORFOLK - On Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, Mr. Bennie Smith Jr., 83, of the 2700 block of Kimball Terrace left his earthly life to join his wife, Leara Smith, into eternal life. Mr. Smith was born March 12, 1925, in Gadsden, Tenn., to parents Bennie and Aggest Smith. He spent 23 years doing a job he truly loved - serving his country in the U.S. Navy, where he retired as a chief petty officer. He later started a second career with the U.S. Postal Service and retired after 20 years. He leaves behind to cherish his memory seven children, Benny C. Smith (Rose) of Las Vegas, Al Smith and Velva Davis (George), both of Norfolk, Faye Foreman of Virginia Beach, Mamie Roberson of Norfolk, Ben Smith of Parker, Colo., and Linda "Pooh" Smith of Norfolk; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends including special friends of the family, Willie, Paul and Tina. Services will be held Friday at 1 p.m. in Graves Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may begin viewing at 4 p.m. today. The family would like to thanks Nancy and the entire team in GICU for the outstanding care and treatment provided to our father. Graves Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. www.gravesfuneralhomeinc.com.