Walter Clay Smith

Walter "Walt" Clay Smith, 78, of Springfield, lost his battle with ALS at 7:20 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2015 at Memorial Medical Center. Walter was born November 28, 1936 in Shelbyville, the son of Corwin Clay and Viola Bruns Smith. He married Cora Preimesberger on December 22, 1956 in Burbank, IL. Walter was a 1955 graduate of Blue Island High School and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He worked in Chicago in building maintenance for 17 years, was the owner and operator of Gambles in Watseka for eight years, and eventually retired from Country Companies in Watseka in 2000. Walter was a member of First United Methodist Church and volunteered with the youth Appalachian Service Project. He was a past member of Oak Lawn Lodge #1166, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and wood carving, but most of all his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter; father, Clay Smith; mother, Viola Smith (husband, Edward) Tabbert; two sisters, Mabel Camfield and June Swipies; and one brother, Kenneth W. Smith. He is survived by his wife, Cora Smith of Springfield; two children, Craig (wife, Julie) Smith of Plainfield and Cindy (husband, Bill) Ringer of Springfield; seven grandchildren, Nathan, Hannah, and Leah Smith, all of Plainfield, Brandon Ringer of Columbus, IN, Bradley (fiance, Mollie Petersen), Michael, and Lauren Ringer, all of Springfield; one sister, Diamond Risoli of Frisco, TX; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and the Edward Tabbert family. Visitation: The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Graveside Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2015 at Camp Butler National Cemetery, with Rev. Dr. Roger Ross officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to: First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2941 Koke Mill Rd., Springfield, IL 62711, Shriner's Hospital for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, or ALS, St. Louis Regional Chapter, 2258 Welden Parkway, St. Louis, MO 63146.