Ben Dale Smith, lovingly known as “PawPaw” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Liberty, Texas. He was 78 years old, he would have been 79 in September.
Dale was born on Sept. 5, 1946, in Pasadena, Texas, to the late Joseph Cullen and Ollie Lee Connerly Smith. He was a proud member of the Bellville High School graduating class of 1964. From 1966 to 1970, he honorably served in the United States Marine Corps, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his country.
Dale was an active member of the Cedar Bayou Masonic Lodge and found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved watching TV, mowing the grass—often with a grandkid falling asleep in his lap—and playing with his grandchildren. With his quick wit and playful humor, he was a natural jokester who would do anything for a laugh. Whether it was cats, dogs, kids, or little old ladies, everyone adored him.
Despite his grumpy exterior, Dale was a deeply loving and supportive man. He cherished the achievements of his children and grandchildren, carefully saving their report cards and artwork. He found great peace in watching hummingbirds at their feeders and took great pride in his extensive collection of eagle statues, each unique in size and texture.
Dale is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Joseph Cullen Jr.(Dee), Mildred Fay Smith Crain, Robert Lester Smith, Annie Myrtle Smith Reed, Eva Lucille (Lucy) Smith Fussell, James (Jimmy) Alfred Smith, Rachel Smith, Darlene Smith, and Joe Troy Smith.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl Marie Wells Smith; his children, Tina Jackson and husband Paul, Bobby Smith and wife Jessica, and Angela Smith; his grandchildren, Tori DeClark, Tiffani Barton and husband Hunter, Glenn Smith, Jack Smith, and Ollie Smith; and his great-grandchildren, Lydia Barton and Odin Barton. He is also survived by his siblings, Evelyn Colleen Smith Randall, Ray Smith, and Christine Smith Brown, along with a host of other loving relatives and dear friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, in the chapel of Sterling Funeral Home, 602 N. Main St., Dayton, Texas at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cedar Bayou Masonic Lodge in Dale’s honor or make a donation to a church of your choosing.
Dale’s legacy of love, laughter, and devotion to family and community will forever be remembered and cherished.
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