Benjamin "Ben" Smith

Benjamin Madison Smith died peacefully on June 4, 2016 in Pasadena, Texas at the age of 82.
A graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 11, 2016 in Cleburne Memorial Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ben’s life.
Ben was born on May 7, 1934 in Atlanta Georgia to Thornton and Leota McNeese Smith. He graduated from Murphy High School where he was a star running back for the football team. Upon graduation from high school, Ben enlisted with the United States Marine Corps where he served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1957.
He was an avid golfer, and at the age of 48 qualified for the newly formed Senior PGA Tour and became a full member of The PGA, touring from 1984 to 1998 until he was sidelined by a medical issue. At that point he was #17 on the money list and was in the top 5 in birdies and eagles.
Ben is survived by his son, Ben Smith Austin of Roswell, GA, grandchildren, Brian, Kelly, Katy, Alexander and great-grandson, Lucas; daughter, Paula Austin of Douglasville, GA, grandchildren, Allison and Nick; son, Michael Smith of Katy, TX, grandchildren Jeremy, Suzannah, Kierstin and Cody; daughter Virginia (Ginger) and husband, Kenneth Shepherd of Pasadena, TX, and grandson, Gage. Ben is also survived by his step-sons Mike, Anthony, Danny and Tim Edwards and numerous step grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Aleta Adelle McWilliams-Edwards-Smith; daughter Stephanie Smith; his parents; one brother, Thornton Smith Jr.; and sisters, Loyce Virginia Knight and Elizabeth Coffee.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Hydrocephalus Association, Development Office
4340 East West Highway, #905, Bethesda, MD 20814-4447, 888-598-3789, info@hydroassoc.org