Bennie O’Neal Smith, age 86, of Buckhannon, WV, died Sunday, September 27, 2026, at WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV. He was born February 7, 1940, in Buckhannon, a son of the late Kenneth and Zelma Smith. On March 2, 1961, he married Betty Heavner Smith, who survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Peggy Landis of Buckhannon; one son, Bennie Junior Smith and wife Jennifer Kelley of Spring Hill, TN; one granddaughter, Olivia Smith and fiancée Zach Merklein of Dallas, TX; one sister, Sharon Anderson; one niece, Kimberly Schelette of Bowie, MD; great-nieces Ashley and Bella; and great-nephew Emmett, all of Bowie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one grandson, Kenneth James Landis, and his brother-in-law, William Anderson.
Mr. Smith was the owner of Bennie’s Used Car Lot. He enjoyed racing cars, especially round-track and drag racing.
Friends will be received Friday, October 2, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with Pastor Mike Hinkle officiating. Burial will follow in the Bailey Cemetery in Buckhannon.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
