Walter Eugene Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Walter Eugene Smith (Gene) at the age of 93. He passed, peacefully, in Perris, California, on April 12 ,2026, lying next to his loving wife of 72 years, Shirley. He departed from our world today but never from our hearts.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Shirley Girl), his daughter, Jackie (Blondie), his son, Jack (Cotton top), grandson, Christopher (Cowboy), granddaughters, Cynthia (Lil Girl), Jessica (Pumpkin) & Jacqueline (Dolly), great-grandchildren, Jack, Sage (Rabbit), and Reece, his son-in-law, Dennis, sister-in-law, Verna (Country Girl), and many extended family. His passing was preceded by his son, Walter (Gene-Boy), and daughter, Debbie-Red).

Gene was born in Charleston, South Carolina on March 30, 1933, to Andrew Jackson and Mabel Smith while they were stationed in the Navy. As a young boy he and his family moved to San Diego Naval Station, where he grew up during World War II.

Gene grew up as the youngest of four children. His sister Ethyl, brother Jack, sister Patricia preceded him in death. With a flare for adventure, a talent for music, an aptitude in mechanics, Gene was unusually independent and industrious. He had an active sense of humor, which, as a child, got him into some trouble in school. He sold newspapers to the military men on the base and created entrepreneurial opportunities for himself to earn money. According to the many stories he enjoyed sharing with his daughter, Jackie, he was excited by making his own money, going to the movies, and getting into all kinds of mischief, in his youth.

Eventually, his family moved to San Pedro, California where he lived when he met the love of his life, Shirley Helen Duncan. He recounts their first encounter when he was working in a Long Beach gas station and saw Shirley for the first time. He was smitten by her beauty, and they married shortly thereafter. They were “too young” everyone said but that marriage lasted until his passing, 72 years later! In their devotion to each other they created a family including 4 children, Jackie, Gene Jr., Debbie, and Jack. Gene was a loving and devoted husband and proud father who provided a comfortable and secure life for his family. As a grandfather, he excelled! His devotion and adoration for his grandson, Christopher, and granddaughters, Cynthia, Jessica & Jacqueline provided them with the happiest and most funny memories and a security of knowing someone was always there for them. Pa, as he was affectionately known, made sure that they knew he thought that “they were the greatest”!

Gene truly enjoyed his life’s career as a “short haul” truck driver. He always made sure his work allowed him to “come home to Shirley” every night. He enjoyed sharing stories of his work escapades each day with her. A true “50’s” marriage, Shirley prepared his lunch, cared for the kids, kept the house spotless and greeted him with a kiss at the door when he arrived home each night. He received many accolades for his work performance and has awards for excellence in driving and reliability. Upon retirement, he was often called upon to assist his former employer because of his exceptional work.

After retirement Gene volunteered to assist others in his community by driving them to appointments, coming to the rescue in a crisis, repairing appliances, building fences and offering neighborhood security patrol. His friendly and outgoing personality made him a wonderful neighbor and friend to many. Gene found extreme joy and love of life, and he had the ability to share that with others. He made others laugh and feel special even at his 80th-birthday party he had over 40 friends there to celebrate!

Gene will be remembered by his surviving children, Jackie and Jack and grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, and extended family & friends for his laughter, vibrant personality, Nicknaming of family & friends, love of animals, talent in music & mechanics, joy in gardening, kindness to those in need and his deep lasting love and devotion to Shirley.

May God Bless his soul.