Walter L. Smith

Walter L. Smith, 74, of Anna, and formerly of Wilmington, N.C., died peacefully on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at the Carrier Mills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. 

He was on born April 10, 1945, in Anna, the son of Mary George of Anna.

Mr. Smith is survived by his son, Chris Smith; stepsons Randy and Dale Murray of Rocky Point, N.C.; a sister, Janice Short of Anna; a niece, Gina (Steve) Loughridge of Anna; a nephew, Ron (Myra) Williams Jr. of Wolf Lake; a great-niece, Whitney Perry of Jonesboro; cousins Mike (Lynn) Etheridge of Wilmington, N.C., and Debbie (Steve) Clover of Alto Pass; other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary George; and by two sisters, Elouise Biere and Judy Stallions.

Mr. Smith was a highly credited mechanic and truck driver. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a lifetime member of the  VFW and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was given the “Cootie” Honor Degree by the VFW and received a Citation of Merit from the VFW for being “Mr. Santa Claus.”

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna, with the Rev. Paul Sadler officiating. 

Military rites were conducted by Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 of the VFW and the Illinois Army National Guard funeral honors team of Marion at the Anna City Cemetery. 

Masonic rites were conducted at noon.

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna was in charge of arrangements.