Walter Smith, Jr.

Walter “Bro” Smith, Jr. was born in Henrico County on April 3, 1927, to Walter Smith, Sr. and Alease Tunstall Smith. He grew up with his sister Ruth Ashe and brother Charles M. Smith, II. Bro was educated at Washington Park School and Van de Vyver Catholic School. He accepted Christ at an early age, being a lifetime member of St. John’s Baptist Church. Bro was a lifelong Washington Park resident and was especially proud of having lived on Maggie Walker Avenue his entire life (with the exception of his two years in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1946). He attained the rank of Sergeant and served with the U.S. Victory Forces in Europe (which included Austria, France and Germany), before returning back home to his beloved Washington Park. Meeting as children, he married his Great Love, Martha “Dolly” Thompson, and together they raised daughters, Stephanie and Cecelia. He was a family-man who loved his wife and children. He liked going to the beach, traveling, fishing, gardening, and was very handy - he could fix just about anything around the house. He enjoyed all sports but was especially fond of watching and attending football games. He loved to sing and whistle and had a beautiful singing voice. He was often happily singing and whistling around the house, sometimes using his loud and distinctive whistle to call his children in from playing outside or to get their attention in a crowd. He was also an avid photographer, his subjects being anyone and everything. Bro, also known as “Papa” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was a doting and fun-loving man. He was funny and generous, gave great advice, told the most amazing stories (flavored with some exaggerations, no doubt) and voluntarily and frequently pulled out his wallet to give a dollar or two, all the while claiming he didn’t have any. More valuable than money, Papa lavished his time on all of his grands with sleepovers, fishing trips, cooking tutorials, funny pranks or just hanging out at his house. He had a special relationship with each of them. He was even beloved as “Papa” to his grandkids’ friends, who also loved visiting him. Taught by his mother, Bro was an excellent cook and could have a meal pulled together in no time. He loved entertaining and being surrounded by family and friends. On Sundays, his house was THE place to be! With soulful music playing in the background, never-ending card games, and the most delicious food perfuming the air. Everyone was welcome to stop by, shoot the breeze, play a few rounds and get a plate – always greeted with a hearty laugh, hug and invitation to “Come on in!” Bro was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister, brother-in-law, Horace Ashe, Sr., special friend, Sarah “Cissy” Price, and by his beloved dog and companion, “Boy.” Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Stephanie I. Smith, Cecelia S. Brown, former son-in-law, Jesse; grandchildren, Bakir, Jessica and Jerred Brown; great-grand sons, Kiah Elliotte, Ra Winston, Zai Rowe-Brown, and Maestro Coltrane Barker (great-grand doodle); nephews, Horace Ashe, Jr., Randy Ashe and Charles “Michael” Smith, III; nieces, Basmah Karriem and Brigitte Ashe; and close cousins, Margaret Saunders Corbin, Florine Cary Gaines and James “Butch” Hewson. He is also survived by a host of friends including, Mary Smith, Helen Smith, James and Prince Pleasants, Latney “Junie” Long and Helena Lewis. ````````````````````` Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you until we meet again!

Tributes

Walter Smith, Jr.

April 3, 1927 - February 19, 2021