Wallace Milton Smith

Vicksburg, MI, and formerly of Portage, MI

Wally, age 95, passed away Sunday morning, November 8, at Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo, MI, following a short stay due to complications from a stroke.

Wally was born in Kalamazoo, MI, on March 21, 1931, to Marion C. and Rhea E. (Porter) Smith. He was a 1949 graduate of Richland High School.

Wally served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict (1952–1954) as a medic, attaining the rank of Corporal. Following his military service, he joined the Upjohn Company (now Pfizer) in 1954. He began his career as a custodian and, after 35 years of faithful service, retired in 1989 as an Instrumentation Technician.

Wally enjoyed working with his hands, fixing things, improving his surroundings, and spending time with his family. His life was marked by faithfulness, perseverance, and a steady commitment to those he loved and to the Lord.

Wally began attending Berean Baptist Church in 1979 and was an active member for 47 years. He especially enjoyed caring for the church grounds, including mowing, gardening, and maintaining the church building. He loved playing tennis and was a member of West Hills Tennis Club until COVID interrupted his regular games and he could no longer find any “old” guys who wanted to play! During good weather, he biked 6–8 miles a day well into his 90s. During the winter months, he kept active by using his treadmill, rowing machine, and stationary bike. His energy and determination to stay active were hallmarks of his life. His family is grateful for the example of his steadfast faith and finds comfort in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

On June 15, 1951, in Richland, MI, Wally married his high school sweetheart, Alice Marie Emmons, who preceded him in death on November 27, 2013. 

He is survived by his three daughters: Denise A. (Gary) Roberts of Vicksburg, MI; Tami L. (Tim) Geysbeek of Fort Mill, SC; and Shelly (Bruce) Top of Allegan, MI; 22 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Esther Murphy of Fort Myers, FL, and Alice Zuiderveen of Bettendorf, IA; and two brothers, Willard (Cathy) Smith and David (Martha) Smith, both of Delton, MI.

In addition to his wife, Alice, Wally was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ruth Hammond; and a brother, M. David (Nancy) Smith.

Wally will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Alice, at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI, on Thursday, November 12, at 1:30 p.m., with full military honors. A Visitation with his family will take place Thursday evening, November 12, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Berean Baptist Church, 7813 South 12th Street, Portage, MI 49024. A memorial service will be held Friday, November 13, at 11:00 a.m. at Berean Baptist Church, with Pastor Steve Nichols and Wally’s grandson, Pastor Matthew Roberts, officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Wally's honor may be directed to the Berean Baptist Church Library at the address above. Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Richland Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements. Personal messages and favorite memories of Wally may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.