Walker Smith

Walker W. Smith

Walker W. Smith, 89, of The Colonnades, Charlottesville, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2009.

He was preceded in death by his son, David A. Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Selma H. Smith; and his daughter, Carolyn S. Polson, both of Charlottesville, Virginia; and two grandsons, Cameron A. Polson of Burlington, Vermont and Kyle W. Polson of Hungary.

Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Walker graduated from Millbrook High School in 1937 and entered the Army in 1942 to XII Corps Headquarters under the command of General George Patton, Personnel Sgt. Major. He was discharged in November 1945 and presented the Bronze Star.

The French Army awarded him the Croix de Guerre. He married his love, Selma Hanson on May 25, 1946, and they celebrated their time together for 63 years.

Walker attended George Washington University where he received his BA in Business and Public Administration in 1950. He began his Department of State career in 1941 as one of the first "white" messengers. He worked his way into the Department of State Budget Office and was transferred to the Department of Far Eastern Affairs where he completed 34 years of active service. After retirement in 1973, he was called back as controller for the Vietnam Refugee Task Force receiving words of commendation from President Ford for his efforts.

Always active in church and community work, he was a member of Bruen Chapel United Methodist Church in Merrifield, Virginia, for 50 years. Because his son, David, was born severely handicapped, Walker and Selma were very active with the Northern Virginia Training Center in Fairfax, Virginia. He served on The Human Rights committee, the Religious Advisory and Ethics committees, as well as chairman of the Parent Council.

Among many philanthropic pursuits, Walker served with a local charitable, all-volunteer organization called "Committee for Helping Others (CHO)" for 18 years. He served in almost every area of the organization, including five years as chairman and seven years as head of the furniture program. He will be remembered for his service for the Lord, his devotion to his family, his love for work in the garden and his generosity to others.

A celebration of Walker's life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, September 5, 2009, at The Colonnades Senior Living Community, Monroe/Wilson Room.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Northern Virginia Training Center, 9901 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032 or First United Methodist Church, 101 E. Jefferson Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.hillandwood.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.