Walter William Smith

Walter was known above all for his deep and unwavering love for his wife, Becky Stath Smith, his Christian faith, and his profound love of family. Walter and Becky met when they were just 16 years old and went on to share 67 years of life together, a love story that became the foundation of the family they built. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose family was always the center of his life.

Walter had an extraordinary career as a mechanical engineer, a profession in which he took great pride. He had a love of all things mechanical and was naturally gifted at rebuilding and repairing most anything, with a special love for classic cars. He was our complete Mr. Fix-it; professionally, he served in numerous engineering roles, including authoring a manufacturing patent.

Outside his career, Walter had many passions; he loved cooking and had a special bond with his rescue dogs and cats. He was known for his kindness, quick wit & dry humor. Notwithstanding his accomplishments and interests, his greatest pride was always his wife and family.

Walter is survived by his beloved wife, Becky Stath Smith; his sister, Margie Birdwell; his children, Chris Smith and daughter-in-law Beth Smith, Stephanie Smith Hickey and son-in-law, Daniel Hickey, and Deena Lilley and son-in-law John Lilley; his grandchildren, Drew Smith, Graham Smith and wife Ashley Smith, Jacob Smith and wife Sarah Grace Smith, Sarah Smith, Zachary Smith, Emma Gravitt, Zoe Gravitt Snyder and husband Ezekiel Gravitt Snyder, Claire Hickey, Georgia Lilley, Olivia Lilley, Walter Preston Lilley; and his great-granddaughter, Ellie Smith, niece Tiffany Ybarra.

A service honoring Walter’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 4, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 5000 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., prior to the service. A Trisagion Prayer Service will be held at 10:30 a.m.

Interment will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612.

Walter leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a legacy of love, and a family who will carry his memory with them always. He will be deeply missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

Donations in Walter’s memory may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Raleigh, NC or Saint Nektarios Church, Charlotte, NC.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC, is serving the Smith family.