Our Staff

For years, families have trusted Bennie Smith Funeral Home to serve and care for their loved ones. We promise to provide excellence in service and compassion during this difficult time of loss. Our experienced and dedicated staff can guide you in determining which service is appropriate for suiting your family’s needs. We are committed to arranging a funeral that is most befitting to your loved one, and we strive to celebrate their life in a meaningful way.


Mr. Bennie Smith, Founder, Owner

Mr. Smith and his wife, Shirley, reside in Dover, Delaware. They are the parents of two daughters and two grandchildren.

Mr. John H. Prince, Chief Mortician

Mr. Prince has an Associate of Arts degree in Mortuary Science and Nutritional Science. He is a member of the Dover branch. Mr. Prince and his wife, Lucille, are the proud parents of two children, John, Jr. and Lenore, and four grandchildren.

Mr. William J. Ward, Director of Personnel

Mr. Ward received his Bachelor's degree from Bible College. He is a member of the Dover branch. Mr. Ward is married with four children.

Mr. Francis W. Gates

Mr. Gates has been an employee of the firm since 1987. He is a native of Easton, Maryland and a graduate of Moton High School in Easton. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Bowie State University, a Master Degree in Educational Administration from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland and honorary Doctorate degrees from Morgan State University and the National Theological Seminary and College. He was employed in the Maryland public school system for 31 years as an elementary teacher, elementary principal, high school teacher, high school principal, supervisor of instruction and in staff positions at the Maryland State Department of Education. Following his retirement in 1980, he was coordinator and adjunct instructor for the Eastern Shore Branch of Sojourner-Dougass College for seven years and is Chairman Emeritus of the Morgan State University Board of Regents. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Pi Phi, Phi Delta Kappa, life member of the NAACP and the American Legion. A 32nd degree Mason, he is a former member of Eastern Star Lodge #16 and Western Maryland Consistory 270. A member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Easton, he served on the Stewards Board and is retired director of the Senior Choir and Gospel Chorus. He and his wife, Ada Baker Gates, are the parents of a daughter, Pamela, and have a grandson, Michael Collier.

Reverend George Edwards, Funeral Follow-Up Coordinator

Rev. Edwards assists with the funeral aftercare with the families that Bennie Smith Funeral Home serves. He is married with three children.