Benjie Nichalas Smith, 44, of Crescent City, entered the sunset of life on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Select Specialty Hospital in Gainesville, FL.

Benjie was born September 22, 1978, to Carl & Betty Smith of Crescent City, Florida. He completed elementary, middle, and part of his high school years in the Putnam County School District.  During his sophomore year, he transferred to FAMU DRS High School in Tallahassee, Florida, where he graduated in the Class of 1997.  He furthered his education at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology in 2013. After graduation, Benjie held several jobs in the engineering field. Later, he became self-employed as an independent contractor, forming his own company, Smith Quality Engineering Support Services LLC. His last contract was with Raytheon Technologies Inc.

Benjie was full of life and was very adventurous. Many knew him as "Big Bam", "Benjie Bron", "Boom", "Boom Boom", "Big Bam from FAM" and "DJ Ranch Dressing". Good or bad, he always kept you hyped when you were in his presence. Although Benjie was an alumni of Florida A & M University and loved the Rattlers, he was an avid Florida Gator fan. Benjie was also a fan of basketball legend, Lebron James.

He leaves to cherish his memories, a beautiful dearly beloved daughter, Jewel'liana Christine Smith, whom he called "Daddy's Little Princess"; Faithful parents, Carl Smith, Sr. and Betty Evans Smith; Siblings, Vincent K. Whitaker (special friend, Debra); Carl Smith, Jr. (Apryl) and A very loved and adored sister, Fabray Smith-Wiggins (Timothy); A dedicated cousin, Lorenzo Banks; Special nephews, Vincent "JR" Whitaker, Jr. and Carl Smith, lll; nephews, Karlan Smith and Travis Whitaker;  Favorite nieces, Vineshia L. Whitaker, and Timya K. Wiggins; niece, Shannon V. Whitaker; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.