Edward Harris Smith

Edward Harris Smith, 77, of Bennington, VT passed away peacefully at his home on November 6, 2025. Edward was born in Granville, New York on March 6, 1948, the son of Casper and Mildred (Moore) Smith. He was a 1966 graduate of Burr and Burton Seminary and graduated from Champlain College in 1968. While at Burr and Burton, Ed was captain of the baseball team and a member of the basketball and soccer teams. He was inducted into the Burr and Burton Hall of Fame in 2021 as a Legend Athlete, Class of 66.

Ed served in the United States Navy from 1968 until 1977 obtaining the rank of First-Class Petty Officer. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam receiving many commendations including Sailor of the month, multiple times, and Sailor of the Year. His service awards included two Good Conduct Medals, Battle Efficiency E, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Combat Action Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

In September 1977, Ed began his automotive career working at Bennington Ford, Berkshire Chrysler in North Adams, Scot Mazda and Morrison Sales and Service in Bennington, all of which were owned by Alan Morrison. Ed became the Dealer of Morrison Sales and Service in 1986 until he sold it in January 2008. He also owned and operated Budget Auto Sales from 1986 until 2010. Ed was a finalist in 2002 for the Time Magazine Quality Dealer of the Year Award, one of four out of 19,100 dealers. In his spare time Ed was an avid golfer and hunter.

Among the many awards, accolades and memberships for Ed were; Past President and Director of the Vermont Automobile Dealers Association, the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce and the Norshaft Lions Club where he was also a life member, Past District Governor Lions District 45, life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, and the VFW and a member of the American Legion Post 13, a recipient of the Bennington Chamber of Commerce D. Ed Moore Award, a Lions Club Melvin Jones Fellow and many other awards.

Edward is survived by his wife, Theresa Ann (Gallett) Smith, his sons; Darrin (Tammy Carpenter) Smith of North Bennington, VT, and Derrick Smith of Greenville, NC, his grandchildren; Lance Smith, Sawyer Smith, Zachary Smith, and Cole Smith, his sister Diane Tucker, and his brother Ronald Smith, both of Manchester, VT, and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call at the Hanson-Walbridge-Shea Funeral Home in Bennington, VT on Friday, November 14, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Graveside services will be private at Mettowee Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Edward’s memory be made to Second Chance Animal Shelter through the Hanson-Walbridge-Shea Funeral Home, PO Box 957 Bennington, VT 05201.