A homegoing celebration for Mr. Bennie Joseph Smith of Tampa, Florida who passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2018 will be held Saturday, March 31st, 11:00 a.m. at New Mt. Zion M.B. Church, 2511 E. Columbus Dr., Rev. Dr. Larry Roundtree II, pastor, officiating. The interment will be in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. Bennie Joseph Smith was born January 11, 1934 in Safety Harbor, Florida to the late J. B. Smith and Drucilla Gordon. He attended church at New Mt. Zion M.B. Church, where he accepted Christ as his personal savior. Bennie was a devoted, loving father and grandfather. He will be missed but never forgotten. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Monica Gilmore; sister, Drucilla Boggs; brothers, James D. Smith and Joe E. Smith; devoted longtime friend, Annie D. Wilson. He leaves his legacy with his daughters, Drucilla Hawkins (Alfred) and Jeslyn Hankins; sons, Tony Smith, Phillip Hankins and Gerald Hankins; grandchildren, Adrian Smith and Avrie Hawkins; sister, Rev. Alma Stevens; niece, Patricia A. Murray; nephews, Melvin Stevens and Ronald Smith; aunts, Minnie L. Cooper, Nellie W. West and Ola M. McClendon; cousins, Maryann Alexander, Gloria Livingston and Frank Timmons; devoted friend, Littleton Long; a host of other cousins and other relatives. The visitation will be held at Aikens Funeral Home on Friday, March 30th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The family and friends are asked to meet at the church on Saturday for the service.

Viewing
The Chapel of Hope Aikens Funeral Home Chapel
Friday, March 30, 2018
05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
2708 E Dr. MLK Jr.
Tampa, Florida 33610

Funeral Service
New Mt. Zion M.B. Church
Saturday, March 31, 2018
11:00 AM
2511 E. Columbu
Tampa, FL 33605