Benjamin Smith

Benjamin Gilbert Smith NORFOLK - Benjamin Gilbert Smith, age 84, passed away Sept. 27, 2008, with his daughters at his side. A Norfolk native, he was the son of Benjamin F. and Florine G. Smith. He was predeceased by his wife, Henrietta D. Smith and son, Benjamin G. Smith Jr. Mr. Smith is survived by his son, Richard M. Smith II and his wife Marie of Fairfax, Va.; two daughters, Linda M. Frazier and her husband Keith of Norfolk, and Lauren M. Schmidt and her husband Robert of Seattle; five grandchildren, Richard M. Smith III, Benjamin G. Smith III, Keith McCrae Frazier Jr., Matthew T.M. Frazier and his wife Evalyan, and Andrea H. Schmidt; sisters, Elizabeth G. Hardy and Ann D. Craft; and brother, Alexander P. Smith and his wife Fleecie. Mr. Smith attended Maury High School, Virginia Military Institute and Cornell University, graduating in 1947 with a degree in chemical engineering. He served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corp during World War II. Mr. Smith was principal owner of Clark Smith Associates of Norfolk, specializing in mechanical engineering. He successfully developed, patented and marketed a chemical process which was extensively used in the fertilizer industry. Mr. Smith was also a student mathematics instructor at Cornell University. Mr. Smith was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. He taught Sunday school and served as a Scoutmaster for its Boy Scout troop. A graveside service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Granby St., Norfolk. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel, is handling the arrangements. The family wishes to acknowledge, with heartfelt thanks, the longtime devoted service of Ella Lee Seabron. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to some of Ben's favorite charities: National MS Society, the Union Mission of Norfolk or St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1004 Graydon Ave., Norfolk, VA 23507. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.