Walter Franklin Smith Jr.

Walter F. Smith, Jr. passed away peacefully on November 15th, surrounded by his family, at the age of 86.
He was the only child of the late Walter F. and Juanita Smith. Walter grew up in the small town of Coushatta, Louisiana, where his father worked as a banker and his mother taught school. He later attended Louisiana Tech University, earning his Bachelor's degree in Business with a major in Banking in 1960. During his time there, he met Carleen Churchill Pipkin. They married that same year in Magnolia, Arkansas, and recently celebrated 65 years of marriage.
Walter devoted his career to the banking industry, spending many years in the Dallas area with a brief period in Beaumont, Texas, before retiring in 2005.
Walter was active in the community as a member of the Highland Park Presbyterian Church where he served as an usher. He was a previous member of Royal Oaks Country Club as well as the Dallas and Richardson Chambers of Commerce.
He was a man of kindness, compassion, and quiet strength-a good listener and a trusted mentor. Walter was always available to lend an ear and offer sage, steady guidance. His faith was a constant source of grounding.
Walter had a deep love for fishing, hunting, poker, and golf, and he was an avid reader. His passion for reading began at a young age of 6 years old with the Hardy Boys series and grew into a lifelong love of both fiction and nonfiction. He was also a devoted sports fan who loved cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and LSU Tigers. Above all, Walter's greatest joy was his family. He cherished every holiday and every gathering, and he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.
He is survived by his wife, Carleen Smith; his son, Carlton Smith (Nancy); his daughter, Courtney Smith (James); and his two grandchildren, Hayden and Sutton Smith.
We are deeply grateful for the many years we were blessed to share with him. Though our hearts ache, we know he will forever live on in our memories and in our hearts. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Walter, please visit our floral store.