Benny George Smith, 79, of McMinnville died Friday, Aug. 24 at his residence.
He was born Feb. 7, 1933, in Swifton, Ark., and was a retired project engineer with Wyle Laboratories, a member of the Church of Christ, was a veteran of U.S. Army during the Korean War, and a former past state commander of the VFW in Arkansas.
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents Homer P. and Lavena Mae Wilcox Smith, his wife Lola Mae Vinson Smith, sister Anna Ruth James, and brothers Junior Paul Smith, Marvin Eugene Smith, and Jerry Dane Smith.
Survivors include his children, Debbie Jo and Kenny Dunlap, Bruce Vinson Smith, and Tim and Cindy Smith, all of McMinnville; grandchildren, Scott and Brandy Lanier, Robin and Chris Burton, Nicki Smith, Justin and Kristen Wilbanks, Kim Mann, Haylee Wilbanks, Keith and Casey Smith, and Will Dunlap; great-grandchildren, Baylee Burton, Avery Kate Burton, Ansley Burton, Addison Lanier, Thatcher Lanier, Isom Wilbanks, Emma Wilbanks, and Bridger Bryant Smith, and brother Shelby Joe and Debbie Smith of Houston, Texas.
Funeral service is 1 p.m. Monday at McMinnville Funeral Home Chapel. Tom Boyett and Kip Simar will officiate. Interment will follow at Morrison Cemetery. Military grave rites will be administered by American Legion Post 173 and VFW Post 5064. The Smith family will receive friends Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m., and again Monday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the parlors of McMinnville Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com.
McMinnville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Southern Standard
(McMinnville, Tenn.) Aug. 26, 2012