Obituary of Benjamin Leonard Smith

Benjamin Leonard Smith, age 87, of Pikesville, transitioned Thursday, January 7, 2021 in home in Pikesville. Mr. Smith was born July 5, 1933 in Edgefield, SC. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services, 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD. Obituary On July 5, 1933, Benjamin Leonard Smith was born to the late Silas Jr., and Ida Louise (Diggs) Smith in Edgefield, South Carolina. Older brother Julius happily received him, and his younger brothers, Francis and Edgar (Sonny), joined the Smith clan in the years that followed. On January 7, 2021, after a lengthy illness, Benjamin transitioned at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Benjamin was affectionately known as "Benny" (by Mercedes), "Dad" (by Steven and Leslie), "Pop Pop" (by Donovan, Kennedi and Paris), "Uncle Benny" (by Family) and "Smitty" (by Friends and loved ones). When Benjamin was five years old, his family moved to Washington, DC, for better job opportunities and schooling. Benjamin graduated from Cardoza High School in 1951, where he played varsity basketball and baseball. In fact, Benjamin played baseball with Hall of Fame Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman, Maury Wills. During his senior year in high school, Benjamin was offered a full scholarship from the University of Indiana, but he turned it down to attend Hampton Institute, now Hampton University. In the fall of 1951, Benjamin met Mercedes Jackson during orientation at Hampton. Benjamin majored in Physical Education and Biology. In addition, he played on Hampton's basketball team where Hall of Fame coach, John McClendon, coached him. In 1960, Benjamin moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where he married his college sweetheart, Mercedes. Shortly thereafter, he began a lengthy career with the Baltimore City Public School System where he held several teaching positions before retiring in 2001. In addition, Benjamin worked in Washington, DC, as a Recreation Center Director from 1970-1979. He dedicated his life to mentoring and coaching young people and his favorite student was his son Steven. Benjamin enjoyed all sports and loved listening to Jazz. He was well known for his extensive Jazz collection and spent his weekends with family and friends at home jamming to his tunes. Benjamin was a big Orioles, Ravens and Maryland Terrapin's fan. He especially enjoyed watching the Lady Terrapin's basketball team; many Saturdays were spent with Benjamin cheering them on from the couch. Benjamin was also an avid reader who enjoyed spy novels. Tom Clancy was his favorite author. Benjamin enjoyed playing chess and taught countless family members and friends the complexities of the game. He loved science fiction and had a green thumb like no other. His yard was always impeccably manicured, and his rose bushes were the envy of the neighborhood. Benjamin's memory, spirit and zest for life will continue to live in the hearts and lives of his wife of 60 years, Mercedes Smith; loving son Steven C. Smith (Natasha) and daughter Leslie S. Byrd (Thomas); Grandchildren Donovan L. Riley, Kennedi S. Riley and Paris C. Routh-Smith; Great-Grandson, Jaxon D. Riley; Brother Julius Smith and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. https://vaughncg.funeraltechweb.com/tribute/details/4374/Benjamin-Smith/obituary.html#tribute-start