Mr. Walter (Allen) Smith, 83, of Lynn Haven, FL passed away on July 18, 2018 after a brief fight with cancer. He leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, Jackie June Smith.
Allen was born during the Great Depression on December 16, 1934 in Panama City, FL, to the late Sheldon and Alma (Boyd) Smith. A Bay County native, Allen attended the original Panama Grammar School and was a 1952 graduate of Bay High School where he lettered in football. Upon graduation, Allen received technical training in Oregon and began a career in the printing business. As a young adult, Allen particularly enjoyed spending weekends at the Hang Out, fishing off the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico and taking his children to watch the Atlanta Braves. Allen was previously employed by John Harland Printing, Gulf Coast Community College and Boyd Brothers Printing- a family business started by his mother, Alma Boyd, and his uncles, John and Alton Boyd. Upon retirement, Allen enjoyed traveling across the country with his wife in their motorhome-taking in the beauty of our National Parks.
Allen was a lifelong Southerner and a loyal fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Bulldogs. In years past he could always be found watching Johnny Carson or listening to classic country music. Injured from a hunting accident as an adolescent, Allen was unable to serve in the Armed Forces like his father and Grandfather but was a true patriot and supporter of our military. Allen enjoyed cooking, particularly his homemade "Cheese and Macaroni." He also always had his homemade barbecue sauce ready for any occasion. In his spare time, Allen enjoyed reading westerns or historical fiction and telling stories of growing up during World War II and his admiration for President Harry Truman. Allen will also be remembered for his time as an umpire for the R.L. Turner Little League in Forest Park.
A loving Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother and Uncle; Allen is survived by his wife, Jackie; sister, Carolyn Lee Wilder; three children, Sherrie Canaday, Allen Smith of Washington D.C., and Lisa Farrill (Joey); four grandchildren, Lauren Canaday Griffin (Justin) of Virginia Beach, VA, Kristie Canaday McLane (Kristopher), Katy Jo Farrill McDaniel (Matthew) of Huntsville, AL, and Cody Farrill of Tallahassee; and four great- grandchildren, Parker and Jase Griffin, Ella Reese McDaniel, and Kylee McLane.
A memorial service has been scheduled for 10 am Saturday, July 21 at the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel where Mr. Jack Reese will officiate. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Hwy 231, Panama City, FL. The family will receive friends from 9-10 am, prior to the service.
The following gentlemen will be pallbearers. Cody Farrill, Matthew McDaniel, Kristopher McLane, Tom Wilder, Steve Wilder, Jay Chapman.
The family would like to thank the professional, caring and loving staff of Covenant Hospice for the love and attention shown to Allen and the entire family.
Expression of sympathy may be submitted and viewed at wilsonfuneralhome.net.