Ben Joe Smith

Ben Joe Smith, 68, of Grays, SC, passed away on July 30, 2025 at his home.

Ben Joe was born on March 12, 1957 in Hampton, SC to the late James Samuel “Blake” Smith and Myrtle Rowell Smith. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish, and farm. He had a collection of tractors both old and new, and enjoyed growing vegetables that he generously gave away to family and friends.

Ben Joe will be remembered for many things including his annual cane-grinding and syrup boiling. He especially enjoyed hosting tractor rides and the company of fellow tractor enthusiasts. Among his many attributes is without question his work for and alongside his life-long friends, Gene Smith and Smith’s Masonry.

Ben Joe loved his family, and treated his nieces and nephews as his own. One in particular, Blake Smith, was like a son. They spent time together nearly every day since he was born. Ben Joe taught him many things, some good, some questionable. Without a doubt, Ben Joe will be missed by many.

Surviving is his sister, Geneva Smith, his brother, Marvin Smith and wife Dianna L., two nieces, Dana Boyles and Ashley Harriott (Brandon), one nephew, Blake Smith and wife Dianna G., seven great nieces and nephews, Mark, Gabrielle (C.J.), Charlie, Jasper, Sydney, Tucker, Fisher, and Beau; and one great-great nephew, Theodore Kix; and a very special friend, Shirley Baldwin.

Ben Joe was predeceased by his parents, James Samuel “Blake” Smith and Myrtle Rowell Smith, and a brother, James Bernard Smith.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Sauls Funeral Home in Ridgeland, SC. Funeral Services will begin at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 in the Sauls Funeral Home Ridgeland Chapel. The burial will immediately follow the funeral service in Grimes Cemetery.