Walter Sheldon Smith

Walt graduated from Warren Wilson High School in the Class of 1949. He joined the United States Air Force and had assignments in Europe, Middle East, South America and the US. He retired from the Air Force in 1969 as a Master Sergeant and had been promoted to E8 but declined. He immediately began his second career with Radiation which became Harris Corp. and is now Harris/LX, and earned his B.S. Degree in Business Administration/Economics at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. Walt loved the outdoors and was happiest planning and participating in his annual fishing trip to God’s Lake, Canada. He enjoyed fishing in the Indian River, travel, online courses, reading, music and volunteering at Patrick Air Force Base. He was a member of the Satellite Beach, FL Lion’s Club. Walt and Emily moved to Greeneville in 2004, and he loved the area. He was a member of Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Covenant Life SS Class. He enjoyed volunteering at Niswonger Performing Arts Theater as an usher until his health declined. Walt will be remembered for his unfailing integrity, consistent kindness and caring for all.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Leo C. Smith and Vesta Conger Smith; brother, Richard Smith; and sisters; Josephine Smith and Bette Helgevold.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Emily; nieces, nephews and spouses: Ruby Jean Nieminen, Barbara and Leonard Smith, Bonnie and John Misiak, Doug and Carolyn Helgevold, Bobbie and Carolyn Wallin, Johnnie and Mary Wallin, Rickey and Cindy Wallin, Gib Tweed, many great nieces, nephews, special friend, Tami Gayikian, many beloved friends, neighbors and church members.

A Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 pm, Friday, April 14 at Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Robert White and The Rev. Ricky Wallin will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall.

The family would like to extend special thanks to: Dr. Patel, Lorraine Rebuck and all the caring staff at the Greeneville Cancer Center, Caris Hospice, the Emergency Room Staff, the ICU staff, the Fourth Floor staff, Out Patient staff, Dr. Pushkas, Dr. Barkley and Leslie Reed for the relentless care given Walt at Greeneville Community Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given to the Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church or Walt and Emily Smith Scholarship Fund, Warren Wilson College Advancement, P.O. Box 9000, CPO 6376, Asheville, NC 28815.

Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kiserrosehillfuneralhome.com.

Kiser Rose Hill Funeral Home

125 Idletime Drive, Greeneville, TN, 37743

423-636-8007