Reverend Bennie Smith Jr.

Reverend Bennie Smith Jr., 82, of Goldsboro answered the Master's call Sunday, December 15, 2024 at UNC Health Wayne in Goldsboro.

Homegoing service will be held Monday, December 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Best Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Goldsboro where he served as Associate Pastor. Burial will follow at Sherrod Family Cemetery in Stantonsburg.

Bennie Smith, Jr., affectionately known as "Rev." or "Brother" by those closest to him, was born on October 23, 1942, to the late Bennie Smith, Sr. and Eliza Hobbs Smith. He was raised in Goldsboro, NC, alongside his six siblings. Bennie received his education in the Wayne County School System and proudly graduated from Dillard High School in the Class of 1961. He furthered his education through numerous certificates from Shaw University, the General Baptist State Convention, and Bear Creek Association.

Bennie was the devoted father of one daughter, Wanda Smith Prioleau, with whom he shared a deep and loving bond. From an early age, they enjoyed cherished moments together, including long bike rides from the north end of town to his parents' home near Cherry Hospital. Bennie's love for his family was evident in all he did, especially when it came to cooking his famous ribs for them on special occasions.

Bennie gave his life to Christ at an early age at Best Grove Missionary Baptist Church and was a proud minister of the gospel. He preached his initial sermon on May 23, 1982, and was ordained later that year in October. Throughout his life, Bennie was dedicated to serving God's kingdom. He worked in prison ministry, volunteered as an instructor at the Peggy Seegars Senior Center, and held various leadership roles within the church, including President of the Sunday School and BTU Convention and Superintendent of the Sunday School for the Western Ministers, Deacons, & Sunday School Union of the Bear Creek Association. He also pastored two churches: Patterson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Kinston, NC, and First Missionary Baptist Church in Fremont, NC. Under his leadership, he introduced Bible study classes and church organizations that enhanced the spiritual growth of the congregations he served.

Bennie proudly served his country in the United States Army for two years. Professionally, he worked at Coble Dairy before spending the majority of his career at Waukesha Electric Systems, where he retired after 43 years of dedicated service.

Bennie met the love of his life, Brenda Sherrod, during high school. Though life took them in different directions for a time, love brought them back together, and they were united in holy matrimony.

If you ever had the privilege of hearing Bennie preach or talk about his faith, you would know there were three things he was absolutely certain of: his calling, his salvation, and his homegoing.

Bennie was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Bennie Smith, Sr. and Eliza Hobbs Smith.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and service, and his memory will be cherished by his wife, Brenda Smith of Goldsboro, NC; his daughter, Wanda Smith Prioleau of Raleigh, NC; his son, Andre Sherrod;; four sisters: Sarah Best (Gordon), Doris M. Allen, Edna L. Smith, and Hilda Patricia Smith; two brothers: Alton E. Smith and Joseph Smith (Christine); one aunt, Verlene Smith Currie of Goldsboro, NC; one great uncle Alfonzo Smith of Brooklyn, NY;  two grandsons: Brandon Smith (Brionna) of Greensboro, NC, and Kiel Prioleau of Fredericksburg, VA; one great-grandson, Kannon Prioleau of Fredericksburg, VA; one great-granddaughter, Destiny Smith of Greensboro, NC; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will continue to honor his memory.

The family will receive friends Sunday, December 22, 2024 from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.

Services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro. 

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