BENJAMIN McKINLEY SMETHURST, JR. (Age 90)
Passed into eternal life on October 5, 2017. A man of sincere faith in Jesus Christ, Ben was a dearly loved husband, father, and grandfather whose influence will be felt for generations. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Mary Louise Hunt Smethurst, and his devoted children Rick (Suzi) Smethurst, Susan (Walt) Stillman, Doug (Lynda) Smethurst, Joan (Scot) Henderson, and Jeff (Rachel) Smethurst. Ben was blessed with 17 grandchildren: GySgt. Joshua Kovar USMC, John (Jen) Smethurst, Matt (Maghan) Smethurst, Katherine (Kevin) Miller, Chelsea (Matt) Bieber, Christy Smethurst, Laura (Seth) Zimmerman, Caleb (Cate) Henderson, Kyle (Christie) Smethurst, Sarah Smethurst, Casey Henderson, Rebecca (Matt) Berlin, Ellen (Tim) Hilliard, Emily Smethurst, Scott Smethurst, David Smethurst, and Jacob Smethurst. He took delight in his 14 great-grandchildren: Colin, Shire, Mason, Norah, Quinn, Juliet, Evelyn, Annie, Hazel, Skylar, Renna, Benjamin, Micah, and Rylee. Born on September 5, 1927 in Miami, FL, Ben graduated from high school in 1945, and promptly enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Bowdoin College and married his high school sweetheart in 1950. He served as a Special Agent in the FBI for 17 years, and later became an investigator for a U.S. House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. In 1992 Ben and Mary Lou left their beloved home of over thirty years on Atlee Place in Springfield, VA and moved to Williamsburg, VA. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 21 at Williamsburg Community Chapel, 3899 John Tyler Hwy. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Grove Christian Outreach Center in Williamsburg.To view the full obituary, please visitwww.bucktroutfuneralhome.net

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Published by The Washington Post on Oct. 16, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for BENJAMIN SMETHURST

11 Entries

Tracy Schaut (fmr Smethurst)

January 31, 2019

Good day and respect to your family...I came across this obituary when searching for my own son's name. And what a fascinating discovery I found. Your Benjamin is an amazing spirit, as is my own son. Thank you for letting me share....bless you and be well.

David Cienski

October 27, 2017

Sometimes we come to know, or at the very least appreciate, a life well-lived by knowing the progeny of one who has departed. I never had the honor of meeting Ben Smethurst, but I feel that I know something of him by knowing his son, Rick. After reading the obituary it is clear that the influence of the father is seen clearly in the son. I can also see how important this man was to his family and how deserving he was of the many blessings he received in this life. I give thanks to God for this life well-lived, and for all the good people he helped to form, love and mentor. I pray for all those who miss him to receive comfort and consolation in the thought of his eternal reward and his continued presence in your lives. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.
With sincere condolences

Bob Steele

October 17, 2017

Rick -- Robbie and I were so saddened to hear of the passing of your Dad. From reading the obituary, we see that he lived a full and productive life. We know that you and your family are so very proud of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and we pray that The Good Lord will bless you and keep you forever in His loving care.

Barbara Holston

October 16, 2017

Rick,

I am so sorry to learn of the death of your father. He was a very special person and will be surely missed by family & friends! May you find comfort through your strong faith in Jesus. Please remember, your loss is Heaven's gain! Love and prayers.

Rita

October 16, 2017

Please accept my condolence on the loss of your loved one. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17

October 13, 2017

May the God of peace sustain you and your family in this time of grievance.

Ken and Mary Petzinger

October 12, 2017

Dear Rich and Suzie,

We are sad for your loss, yet celebrate with you the life of this godly man who so clearly passed on his faith to his children.

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers,

With Love, Mary and Ken

October 12, 2017

You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. May the God of comfort give you comfort at this time. 2 Cor 1:2-3.

October 12, 2017

I'm sorry for your loss, i hope that the scriptures at Psalms 61:1-3 will bring you comfort through this difficult time.

October 12, 2017

May you all have the strength you need at this time of sorrow, Phillipians 4:13.- Philadelphia.

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