Walter "Walt" LeVert Smithson

Walter LeVert Smithson “Walt” was born to Beula Duke Smithson and T. Vernon Smithson on January 18, 1926 in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Walt grew up, along with his five brothers, on the family dairy farm in the close-knit community of Mt. Juliet whose early influence on the Smithson boys instilled in them the integrity, devotion to family and fierce work ethic that were traits integral to the characters of all the Smithson boys throughout their lives. When Walt’s eldest brother, W.T., moved to California each of the brothers, one by one, followed their big brother to California. As the Smithson boys married and built their careers, life separated them geographically but familial ties were not severed and they never failed to hop on a plane for a visit or to attend a major life event. Throughout their lives, the Smithson boys would return to their roots in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, to visit extended family and old neighbors who always welcomed the Smithson family with open arms. Walt was a veteran of the Coast Guard and a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. After graduation from UC Berkeley, Walt had a successful career with Chevron, International, where he was the engineer responsible for marine lubricants in the shipping Industry which afforded him the opportunity to travel much of the world with many trips to the Netherlands, Europe, South America, and the far east. Walt lived most of his adult life in San Francisco Bay area and moved to Louisville, Kentucky, in 2016 to be with his only child, grandchildren, and their families. His family is thankful to have enjoyed the last years of his life uninterrupted and will cherish the memories of all the holidays and family get togethers we were able to share with him and that he enjoyed so much. In addition to his parents, Walt is predeceased by his wife, Barbara, his five brothers, W.T., Bill, George, Henry, and Jim; and his two half-brothers, John and Carlton. With Walt’s passing, all the brothers are together again and there is a quite a reunion in Heaven with many stories being bantered about and lots of laughter! Walt is survived by his daughter, Glenda Smith (Art); his grandchildren, Bobby Smith (Tonya); Mandie Jacobs (Gene); and Matt Smith (Charolette); 5 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Annie Smithson, and many nieces and nephews who were very dear to him. Due to COVID-19 and many restrictions in place, the memorial service for Walt, held at Cave Hill Cemetery, will be private.

Walter "Walt" LeVert Smithson

January 18, 1926 - June 28, 2020