Walter Meeds Smith

Walter Meeds Smith passed away on Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 in Lake Mary, Florida. He was born on November 30, 1928 to Ralph Austin and Charlotte (Meeds) Smith in Miami Beach Florida. He grew up in Sanford and was a 1946 graduate of Seminole High School in Sanford. He was an Eagle Scout. He attended the University of Georgia and received a B.A. from University of Alabama where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. After college, he was a radio time salesman for WABB and an insurance agent in Mobile Alabama.

Mr. Smith served in both active duty and reserves in the U.S. Air Force. He was an information officer for the 14th Air Force Headquarters at Warner-Robins Air Force Base during the Korean conflict. During the Cuban Missile Crisis he was Wing Information Officer, 435th Troop Carrier Wing at Homestead Air Force Base.

After the Cuban Missile Crisis, Mr. Smith was employed by Burger King Corporation as a national marketing supervisor. He was later employed by international industries as Southeast Operations Coordinator. When he returned to Sanford, he was employed as a real estate agent.

Mr. Smith was a member and past chair on the advisory board of the Salvation Army who gave him the Mrs. Ralph Austin Smith Community Service Award. He was a member, past secretary and past president of Seminole County historical society; member, President and past treasurer of the Sanford Historical Society; member and officer of Lake Monroe Sams RV Chapter of Good Sam Club and member of the Sanford Historic Trust. For several years he was precinct clerk during local, state and national elections. He was a member of the Sanford/Seminal Chamber of Commerce. The city of Sanford recognized with the Philip James Gunster Community Service Award and the Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award.

Mr. Smith was a member of the Sanford Kiwanis club, serving as president in 1992-1993 and 2004-2007 and secretary in 2008-2009. He was recognized as Kiwanian of the Year in 1991 and as a Distinguish Kiwanian in 1994, 1996, 1997 and 1998. He received the Distinguished President award several times. He served as Lieutenant Governor in 1995-1996 and 2001-2002. He was a George Hixson fellow.

With his wife, Charlotte, Mr. Smith like to travel, and they visited all 50 states and six provinces of Canada. Mr. Smith was an active member of Markham Woods Presbyterian Church in Lake Mary and an ordained elder and deacon of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

He is predeceased by his parents, Ralph Austin and Charlotte Meeds Smith; his brother and sister-in-law, Ralph Austin and Carolyn Smith; and the mother of his children, Mary Charles. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Lawrence Smith, his son Brett Smith (Audrey) and his daughter Charlotte Smith Wilkes (James) and two nieces and their families. He is also survived by grandchildren Wendi Clanton (Aaron), Christine Clanton (Eli), M. Austin Smith Vance (Arlo), Cory Jackson (Josh), Natalie Wilkes, Nicole Wilkes and 10 great grandchildren.

Services for Mr. Smith will be held on May 22nd, 2021 at 11 AM at Markham Woods Presbyterian Church, Lake Mary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Markham Woods Presbyterian Church or the Sanford corps of the Salvation Army.