Benjamin Matthew Smith Jr.

07/09/1929 - 01/29/2026

Our family is heartbroken at the passing of our beloved uncle, Benjamin Matthew Smith, Jr., on January 29, 2026 at the age of 96.

Ben was a partner and owner of BM Smith, Inc., a real estate management and property development firm, the oldest continually operating business in Arlington. Smith was the son of the company's founder and, like his father, he was known for his service, stewardship, and philanthropy.

Ben was born July 9, 1929. He grew up in Arlington, graduated from Augusta Military Academy, and attended Randolph-Macon College. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy and later in the National Guard. After leaving military service, he took an active and engaged owner and partner role in the company until his passing.

He was known for his generosity and believed in giving back to his community, including through his contributions to non-profit, civic and religious organizations thoughout Arlington. Such as Trinity Episcopal Church, Arlington Free Clinic, and many others. He was a member of the Washington Forrest Foundation, a Smith Family Foundation founded by his father in 1975.

Ben, alongside his brother, Edward M. Smith, and sister Margaret Smith Peete, was particularly instrumental in the development of the apartment buildings located at 2121 and 2200 Columbia Pike, in the late 60s, and later of Penrose Square in 2011. Throughout his life he was closely connected to the company's daily operations. Ben would regularly walk the properties, always taking the stairs, taking notes, and leaving hanwritten messages reinforcing his expectation of excellence.

Ben was a bibliophile, collecting many books on foreign and domestic places, food, art and architecture. He loved to travel and kept a collection of atlases he used to make his many travel plans.

Ben never married and had no children, but he worked and socialized closely with family nearly every day. He is survived by his niece Leslie S. Ariail, nephews Edward C. Peete, David D. Peete, Jr., and Guy M. Gravett, who worked closely with him at the family company. He is also survived by niece Madeleine Shrebot, and by many more nephews and nieces, all of whom benefitted from his generosity and kindness.

This obituary cannot measure up to the man, nor can word express the amount of love and sadness our family feels for Benjamin Smith, Jr., who did so much for family and community.

A reception in Ben's honor and memory will be held Sunday, February 22 at 2941 Restaurant, 2941 Fairview Park Dr Falls Church, VA 22042, from 2-4:30pm. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions should be made to the Arlington non-profit organization of your choice.