Benny Esley Smith, a beloved resident of Winnfield, Louisiana, peacefully passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the age of 88.

Benny was born on Wednesday, October 3, 1934, in Winnfield, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Leda Elizabeth Gorum Smith; his devoted father, Samuel Esley Smith; his beloved daughter, Cheri Lynn Smith; and his brother and sister-in-law, Perry H. Smith and Charlotte Smith and brother Jerry T. Smith.

Mr. Smith graduated from Winnfield High School and Northwestern State University. He began his career in banking and later transitioned to teaching vocational education. Eventually, he retired from the Winn Parish School Board, where he had served as the business manager. Throughout his retirement, Benny and his wife found joy in playing golf with their many friends until their health no longer allowed it. He was a dedicated lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Winnfield, where he also taught Sunday school.

Those who will forever cherish Benny's memory include his loving wife of 64 years, Lynda Beth Emmons Smith; his brother, Samuel L. Smith (Mitzi); his grandson, Derek Ryan Atwood; and his sister-in-law, Sherrye Smith.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the First Baptist Church, from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM.

A graveside funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the Garden of Memories in Winnfield, officiated by Dr. Jerry Pipes and Rev. Gerald Long. Services will be under the direction of Southern Funeral Home.

Those serving as pallbearers are, Roger Johnston, Chad Smith, Cole Smith, George Smith, Trenton Smith and Trevor Smith.  Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Bankston, Donald Kelley, Mickey Simmons, Mike Smith, and Tommy Straughan.

The family would like to thank the staff of Autumn Leaves nursing home for taking excellent care of Benny. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Winnfield at P. O. Box 230, Winnfield, LA 71483.

For those who wish to express condolences and share memories, please visit www.southernfuneralhome.com.