Walter McBride, Jr.

Walter McBride Jr., 75, of Jacksonville, passed away on January 22, 2026, peacefully at home with his family by his side. He was born January 5, 1951, in Little Rock, to the late Walter and June McBride.

Walter married the love of his life, Diana on June 18, 1971. His devotion and love for her never ceased as he became her full-time caregiver the last 5 years of her life. Working since the age of 10, delivering newspapers and working concrete, he finally settled on diesel mechanic work for a long-time career. Once retired, he enjoyed being at home where he was an incredible husband, loving father, Pappy and great grandpa. He and Diana loved to travel, visiting places from the Arctic Circle to the Florida Keys and many places in between. Walter lived a full and accomplished life, never meeting a stranger, spending every fall around the fire at deer camp and always ready for a trip to the casino.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Diana Penny McBride, his older sisters Shirley Prince and Rose Marie Green. Walter is survived by his daughter, Melissa McBride Cross (husband Troy and his mother Jenny); his granddaughters, Hayley Cross Whidden (husband Doug) and Alivia Cross; three great grandbabies, Opie and Abel Whidden, and Ava May; his sister Teena Vise (Jon) and his brother Tommy McBride; his best friend Rick Davis, all his buddies at the Herring Hunting Club and a host of other family and friends.

The family appreciates the personal care and attention from the doctors, nurses, and staff at Baptist Springhill with a special thanks to nurse Briley for her extraordinary care and attention.

A Visitation and Gathering will be held Friday, 10:00 - 12:00 a.m. January 30th, 2026 at Smith Family Funeral Home-Sherwood (7700 Hwy107) where family will receive friends and all those whose lives were touched by Walter.  This will be followed by a 12:00 p.m. (noon) funeral service at Smith Family Funeral Home-Sherwood Chapel.