Benny Joe Smith Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Benny Joe Smith, 80, of Mint Hill, lost his six month battle with brain cancer on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at home surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born on March 26, 1936, in Charlotte, the son of Mary Lee Smith. On December 27, 1958, he married the love of his life, Ms. Margaret Matheson in Hiddenite, NC. He answered his country’s call to service and faithfully served for two years after being inducted into the United States Army just six weeks after he married Mrs. Margaret. They lived in Charlotte until 1982 when they built a home in Mint Hill and had been residents since. Blessed with the talent to use his hands and fix anything, Joe made a career of working for Kraft Foods where he worked in plant maintenance until retirement. He and his wife were members of Plaza United Methodist Church for 27 years before finally finding a church family and home with Philadelphia Presbyterian Church in Mint Hill. Joe and Margaret enjoyed travelling, making it to all of the lower 48 as well as all Canadian provinces but two. Most of all, he loved time spent with family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Margaret Matheson Smith of Mint Hill; his son, Kevin J. Smith of Oakboro; and his grandson, Jonathan V. Smith of Mint Hill. Joe is further survived by a brother, Woodrow “Buddy” Smith of Indian Trail, NC; a sister, Mary Honeycutt of Charlotte; and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Trena Renee Smith in 2011; his mother, Mary Lee Smith; two brothers, Don and Gene; and a sister, Margie Smith. Services honoring the life, love and blessing of Joe will take place at the Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, 11501 Bain School Road, Mint Hill NC 28227. Friends are welcome to gather with the family at the church starting at noon on Friday, February 17. At 2 pm, Pastor Rusty Benton and Pastor Rob Mariucci will lead the service. Following the service, Joe will be taken in formal procession to his final place of earthly rest at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill, 28227. Joe’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for them. In honor of Joe, memorial contributions in his name would be appreciated to any of the following: Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, 11501 Bain School Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227 http://www.philadelphiachurch.org/ Wilson Grove Baptist Church, 6624 Wilgrove Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227 http://www.wilsongrovebaptistchurch.com/ Hospice and Palliative Care 1420 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204 http://www.hpccr.org/

Benny Joe Smith

March 26, 1936 - February 14, 2017