Walter J. Smith, 84, passed away June 29, 2015 in Mesquite. He was born September 9, 1930 to Gilbert Dover and Joyce Eve Forney Smith in Allen, OK. He married Barbara Jane Dailey at Long Beach, CA. on June 23, 2005.
Walter was known as a hard worker. He graduated from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, CA. with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. As a young man, he drilled oil for Bell and Burden Oil Company in Ventura, CA. After college he worked for Metco in metal spray processing. He also became CEO for Plasma Technology in Torrance, CA. Before Walter retired, he worked for 25 years as a Financial Advisor for the investment firm, Morgan Stanley. Walter took great pride in his country and served with the Merchant Marines for three years and then joined the Army National Guard and served in the Korean War. Walter also spent much of his time with many different service organizations. He was proud to be a member of the Masons in the Pamona, CA. lodge for 50 years, and made Master Mason. He was a Shriner and loved to take part in the Shriner Hospital for Children by organizing fund-raisers as well as other services. He was also an active Rotarian, an active member of the Scottish Rite, and was a faithful member of the Harbor Christian Church in Newport, CA. People who knew Walter described him as a man with a good heart. He was constantly striving to reach out to others to meet their needs. He kept a positive attitude with him at all times, and treated others as a true gentleman would. He was very hard working, and his life experiences made him a great teacher and an avid storyteller. Above all, he treasured his family and friends. His wife, Barbara was a very special addition to his life when they were married July 23, 2005.
Walter is survived by his wife Barbara Jane Dailey Smith of Mesquite; his two sons and their wives, David and Denise Smith, and Dan and Lucy Smith; two grandchildren, Erica and Brandon; two brothers, Jimmy Smith and Doyle Smith; and his sister, Freda Webster.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the Harbor Christian Church in Newport Beach, CA. Full military burial service will be held July 20, 2015 at 11:45 a.m. at the Riverside National Veterans Cemetery.
The family invites friends and family to leave a message or memory on their “Guest Book” at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.
“A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart” – Goethe
