Benny Ray Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Benny Ray Smith, 73 of Gainesville, Georgia.

Benny was born on January 18, 1952, and died on May 2, 2025, at Northside Hospital in Lawrenceville, GA. He is preceded in death by his parents Howard Smith and Grace Godfrey Smith, his brothers William Howard Smith and Andrew Joseph Smith, and his sister, Martha Jane Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Smith, his children Amanda (Smith) and Sam Cruce, Ron and Mallory Kelley, Drew Smith and Mary Jane Hassell, Rachel (Smith) and Murray Flint, and his grandsons Hudson Kelley, Coleman Kelley, Stephen Flint, and Andrew Flint.

He was a South Hall High School graduate and went on to attend the University of Georgia where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and eventually retired from the automotive sales industry. He remained in Gainesville after retirement and was a member of First Baptist Church.

Benny loved his family and friends and enjoyed being with them as often as he could. He was an avid golfer and took advantage of every chance to play. His favorite hobbies included UGA football, reading, sitting on the beach, grilling, good music, spending time with his grandkids (and grand dogs), hunting and fishing, as well as listening to and telling a good story. Benny was loved by all who knew him.

Memorial Services for Benny will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of First Baptist Church Gainesville, GA. Visitation will be Saturday in the Church Parlor from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.  There will be a private family inurnment in the columbarium at the Church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Benny to The American Heart Association or First Baptist Church Ministry of Caring, 751 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501.

 Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.