Walter M. ‘Walt’ Smith, Jr.
Walter M. ‘Walt’ Smith, Jr.
Walter M. “Walt” Smith, Jr., 77, of Mill Hall, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Geisinger Medical Center.
Born on July 17, 1947, in Lock Haven, he was the son of the late Walter M. and Margaret J. (Colucci) Smith, Sr.
On March 14, 1970, at the Salona Lutheran Church, he married the love of his life, Alberta R. “Birdie” Jackson.
Walt was a 1965 graduate of Bald Eagle Nittany High School.
He served in the United States Army from Oct. 13, 1967, until he received his honorable discharge on Oct. 10, 1969. He earned the rank of SP4 and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for his years of service.
After the military, Walt furthered his education at Williamsport Area Community College where he graduated in 1974 with an AS in Accounting. He worked at Mill Hall Clay Products, retiring in 2010 after 20+ years.
Walt played football and basketball, but baseball was always his favorite. He garnered many accolades on the ballfield and was inducted into the Clinton-Centre County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022. He also coached Little League and Jr. League teams for several years.
Walt was a member of the Beech Creek American Legion, Post 623. This is where you could find him most afternoons, playing cards. He enjoyed shooting pool, playing darts, golfing, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed being home sitting in his chair watching sports (especially Penn State and the Phillies), working on newspaper crossword puzzles and listening to the oldie’s music.
Walt is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Birdie; and two sons, Michael W. Smith, and his wife, Amy, of Centre Hall, and Kent J. Smith, and his wife, Julie, of Newtown, Pa.
He is also survived by five wonderful grandchildren, Aidan Brinker, Ellie Brinker, Matthew Smith, Benjamin Smith and Emily Smith. His grandchildren were the sunshine of his life. He was proud of all of them and loved spending time with them and watching all of their sporting events.
Walt is also survived by his sister-in-law, Darla Soleto, of Mill Hall; his niece, Suzanne Keller, her husband, C.J., and great-niece, Reagan Keller; and his nephew, Steven Soleto, and his wife, Ashley.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 2:30-5 p.m., at the Salona Lutheran Church, Long Run Road, Mill Hall, Pa. A Memorial Service will follow at 5 p.m. at the church with Minister Edward Coup officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc. in Milesburg, Pa.
An online guest book can be signed, or you may post your condolences to the family at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com