Walter Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Walter Smith, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Born on May 30, 1948, Walter departed this life on December 16, 2024, at the age of 76. He filled his years with kindness, laughter, and love, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11 am at New Hope Baptist Church. Interment will follow at the City of Lubbock Cemetery under the direction of Griffin Mortuary. Visitations will be held Friday, January 3, 2025, from 5 pm to 6 pm at Griffin Mortuary.

Walter was a man of great passion and dedication. He held a deep love for his family, always serving as a pillar of strength and support. His warmth and wisdom were a source of comfort to all, and his stories, often told with a twinkle in his eye, brought joy to countless family gatherings.

A man devoted to service, Walter proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1975. His dedication to making a difference continued in his civilian life as he worked for the State of California Youth Authority from 1979 to 1994, where he positively impacted the lives of countless troubled youth. After retiring from the state, Walter pursued a successful career as a real estate investor, as he always had an entrepreneurial spirit and determination.

Walter also devoted much of his time to his community. For 15 years, he served faithfully as a member of the Usher Ministry at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Sacramento, CA, greeting and supporting the congregation with his kindness and grace. He coached his sons junior league football teams in Elk Grove and Sacramento, CA, and shared his love of golf as a Little Linker golf coach, mentoring young athletes and instilling the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

In 2008, after his wife retired from the State of California, Walter and his family decided to move to Garland, Texas. It was there that he lived out the rest of his days, finding joy in the companionship of family, friends, and the peaceful rhythm of retirement.

An avid golfer, Walter spent countless peaceful days on the greens, finding solace and camaraderie in the game he loved so dearly. To him, golf was more than a sport; it was a way of connecting with nature, friends, and himself. He cherished the time spent under open skies, swinging his clubs, and sharing laughter with his golf buddies.

Friends were another cornerstone of Walter's life. He cultivated lifelong relationships, always ready with a helping hand or a listening ear. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life made him a treasured friend to many.

As we say goodbye to Walter, we remember him not with sadness but with gratitude for the beautiful memories he gave us. His legacy of love, kindness, and perseverance will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother Mary Katherine Smith, his father Robert Lee Smith, his brother Lenard Smith, and his sister Elizabeth Smith.

He is survived by his wife Wendolyn Kay Smith, his daughter Kayla K. Buckley and son-in-law Brandon Buckley, his son Matthew G. Smith and daughter-in-law Ashley Smith, his brother Robert L. Smith and sister-in-law Elaine Smith, and sister-in-law Edna Ellis-Smith, his grandchildren Walter B. Buckley, Kali R. Buckley, Zazi K. Buckley, and Jaden A. Matos, his niece Brittany Smith, his nephews Michael Smith and Derrick Smith, and a host of beloved family members and friends.

Rest in peace, Walter. You will forever be loved, missed, and remembered.