Ben Brooks Smith, age 96, soared peacefully into the Wild Blue Yonder with his new angel wings on April 19, 2021 while surrounded by his family. Ben was born in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee on September 3, 1924 to Ollie Jane Brooks Smith and Charles James Smith. After graduating from Powell High School in Claiborne County at the age of 18, Ben was drafted into the Army Air Corps where he trained for and fought in WWII from June 1943 until October 1945. He served as a B-24 Flight Engineer and Top Turret Gunner assigned to the 15th Air Force, 449th Bomb Group. He flew 44 sorties over Northern Italy and the European Theatre. After the war, Ben completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1950 from the University of Tennessee and then joined Oak Ridge National Labs as a Mechanical Engineer. He then continued his education, receiving his Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from UT in 1974. Ben most enjoyed attending the National 449th Bomb Group annual conventions where he had opportunities to share his many war stories with other combat veterans. He also enjoyed watching and attending University of Tennessee Football games and the Lady Vols Basketball games. Ben served on the Board of the Directors at ORNL Federal Credit Union for many years and was actively involved in either First Baptist Church, Grace Covenant Church, or most recently First United Methodist Church, serving in various roles. Ben was preceded in death by wife, Jean Lott Smith and twin brother, James Glenn Smith. He is survived by his children, Gary Robbins Smith and wife Debbie Utz, Larry Charles Smith and wife Jennifer, and Laura Smith Young and husband Don, grandchildren, Craig Smith, Jordan Smith, Ryan Collins-Smith, Benjamin Smith, Kevin Young and wife Amanda, Steven Young and fiancé Emily McCarty, and their daughter (Ben's great granddaughter) Teagan Anne Young, nephews, Dr. Steven Smith and wife Susie and Dr. Douglas Smith and wife Dr. Cathy Smith, and niece, Anna Jane Nuckols Kronimus. The family is very appreciative of the care Ben received from the staff at NHC Healthcare of Farragut and Knoxville caregiving services, Visiting Angels and Your Home Team Care. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions made in Ben's memory to the University of Tennessee College of Engineering. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 26 at 2:00pm at First United Methodist Church in Oak Ridge with internment at 3:00 at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. Reservations can be made for the service at https://pastorstoolbox.com/save-a-seat/a3c61dd4-a252-5e5a-b5bd-9b43aea02cf3/672 . The service will also be live streamed at www.fumcor.org (click on FirstChurch LIve then scroll down to the service). Reservations are not needed for the internment. No visitation will be held. Weatherford Mortuary in is charge of arrangements. An online guestbook is available at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.