Walter Lee Smith Sr.

Walter Lee Smith, Sr. was born to Cordie and Blanche Smith on February17th, 1940, in Mexia, Texas. Walter is the third son of nine children in thefamily. Affectionately nicknamed "Buddy" by his family & friends, also "Walt"by his clients and patrons of his Hair Salon. He was a Football star, PromKing and showed an entrepreneurial interest early in life helping hisgrandfather Santa Anna Echols at the family-owned grocery store. At an early age Walter confessed his belief in Christ and attended churchwith his family at First Baptist Church. He was trained as a Junior Deacon,but it was in his early twenties that he had an encounter with the Lord thatchanged his life forever. He graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in 1959 andreturned one year later to marry the love of his life Doris Ann McDanielaffectionately,known as Ann on June 3rd, 1960, in Mexia, Tx. Shortly thereafter theyjoined other family members starting new lives in the Pacific Northwest.This union celebrated 60 years of marriage on June 3rd, 2020. Walter and Ann would settle in Vancouver, WA. and begin their family andto this union four children would round out this loving family threedaughters; Debra Annette, Kathy Yvonne and Taunya Rene and one son;Walter Lee Smith, Jr., and nephew David Lee McDaniel. Buddy and Annwould share their family home for 49 years in Vancouver until her passingin October 2020. He and Ann set up a loving home for their family whileestablishing his career. Walter would work in various roles and occupations. Walter was a drummajor for justice and an advocate for civil rights and the rights of all people,He attended Molar Barber College in 1967 and was the only black male inhis class. Walter graduated despite the enormous obstacles to keep himfrom being successful and completing his schooling. After several years oflocal Barbering businesses not hiring him because he was black and the white business owners said their clients would not want the hair cut by ablack barber. Also, the Barber Union was operated by people that wereracially motivated to keep him from being able to make a living as a barber. Walt worked for the VA Hospital as a janitor and barber, where he cut ourVeteran and service men's hair. He also worked at United Airlines as aSkycap. When God is for you who can be against you! In 1969 Walteropened his own business Walt & Jack's Barber shop, which later becameWalt & Jacks Hair Affair that is still in operation today 56 years later. The place of business became a gathering place for so many people. Allwere welcome in the barber shop and although they may have beencoming for hair services, it became a place of prayer, counsel and a placethat would be used for the glory and honor of God. It is a HIStoric landmarkin Vancouver, WA and will always be acknowledged as a place of equalityfor all and a beacon of the community. This Barber shop became a major part of his legacy, but his biggest lifework was his devotion to his family, church, friends, and community. In hisspiritual walk with Christ, Walter attended Open Bible Community Churchesand in 1975 He became a faithful member of Community A.M.E. Zion.Walter accepted his call to be a messenger of God and began preachingand teaching the word of God. In his early days of ministry Walter wasmentored by scholars of God's Word like his Godfather Bro Silas Denton.Walter would share the word of God and the love of Jesus Christ toeveryone that would listen. He had a heart for people from all levels ofsociety and shared that love through his actions of evangelism- the breadministry, and food pantry. Walt and Ann would partner together in ministry,she would sing, and he would preach. Ann would help him in performingwedding ceremonies and marriage counseling. Walter was the Assistant Pastor of McLoughlin Heights Church of God,under Pastor Ethel Brown where he would support the growth andfurtherance of the ministry of the church. Walter loved to hear his family sing and was blessed to have a spouse with an anointed gift to sing,daughters, son, and grandchildren. Although he loved to sing, he did nothave a melodious voice, but he would say frequently that he was making ajoyful noise unto the Lord and would join in any chorus or hymn. Walt was always available to lend an ear, provide guidance and giveencouragement to family and friends. His home was always open to thosewho needed a place to lay their head or just sit for a while. Life Journey ContinuedWalt was an avid athlete and in his leisure time he would play softball, golf,hunt, barbeque, bowl, play dominoes, cards and billiards. He enjoyed hisfamily and friends especially his longtime friends Kenneth Dillard, LeviHarris, Frank Hooks. Walter was a successful provider and offered support for his spouse Annand his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, whether it wascelebrating their accomplishments or supporting them financially throughtroubling times. Walter is proceeded in death by his loving wife Ann (60 years marriage), hisMother Blanche, Father Cordie Sr., Brothers Cordie Jr., and Joe, andSisters Ellen, Wilhelmena. Those left to cherish his memory are hischildren, Debra Young (George), Kathy Parrish (Jeffery Sr.), Taunya Poe(Randall II) and Walter Jr. (Kevin). His siblings, Jack (Joyce) Smith, Dayton(Cornetta Smith), Goldie Smith, and Alice Rogers. Brother In Laws, DLMcDaniel (Erma), Garland McDaniel (Eula) and Sister-in-Law, JeanetteMadkins all of Fort Worth, TX. Seventeen Grandchildren and Twenty GreatGrandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and lifelong friends. Our Hero will be missed dearly, he taught us to live life to the fullest and inall things give God the glory. We will continue to live this Life to the gloryand honor of God so we can be assured that we will see him again in that great getting up morning.

Walter Lee Smith Sr.

February 17, 1940 - July 13, 2024