Benjamin Smith

Benjamin Smith -ATLANTA - Benjamin Smith, a beloved civic leader of Vidalia, GA and role model for his family and friends, died Saturday morning in his Atlanta home; he was 85. -Smith was frequently honored by the residents of Vidalia, where he co-owned Max Smith's Department Store. Founded by his father, the store closed in 1990. -A pillar of the Vidalia business community, Smith retired recently as a board member of the Altamaha Bank and Trust. He was president of the Vidalia Chamber of Commerce, which honored him with the city's Citizen of the Year award in 1967. In 2001, the Downtown Business Association of Vidalia created a park in his name on the street where Max Smith's once stood to honor Smith's contributions to the economic vitality of downtown Vidalia. -He was particularly devoted to the Shriners' Crippled Children's Hospital and was responsible for many kids in the Southeast having the funding to go to the Hospital in Tampa. And in honor of his dedication and leadership to the Shriners, Savannah's Alee Temple sponsored a ceremonial and parade for Smith in Vidalia, where the mayor proclaimed it Ben Smith day. -He also made lasting contributions through his civic work. He was president of Vidalia's Quint Shrine Club, a 32 degree Mason, and awarded the prestigious Knight Commander of the Court of Honor. He was a fifty-year member of the Masons, as well as a charter member of the Vidalia Lions Club. -A WWII veteran, Smith was a fierce lover of his country and devoted member of the Jewish faith. With Sarah (Bebe), his wife and partner of nearly sixty-five years, Smith founded B'nai Israel, an orthodox congregation in Vidalia thought to be one of America's smallest synagogues. He was a longtime president of the synagogue. He was also a member of Congregation B'nai Brith Jacob in Savannah, GA for over sixty years. -Born in Claxton, GA, Smith leaves his wife, Sarah (Bebe); daughter, Barbara and her husband, Leon; son, Richard and his wife, Sandy, all of Atlanta, GA; and four grandchildren. He also leaves two sisters, Doris Foskey of Vidalia, and Ethel Cohen of Philadelphia. -Donations in Smith's memory may be made to the Shriners' Crippled Children's Fund, P.O. Box 14147, Savannah, GA 31418, and the Jewish Family and Career Services of the Atlanta Jewish Federation. -Graveside Services: 11A.M. Monday at Bonaventure Cemetery, with Rabbi Avigdor Slatus officiating. -Hubert C. Baker Funeral Home, 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA, 912-927-1999 is in charge of arrangements.