Walter Ray Smith

Beloved uncle, lifelong resident of Tuscaloosa County, and longtime Northport business owner, Walter Ray Smith, passed on to his heavenly home on Monday September 3, 2018 at Forest Manor Nursing Home after an extended battle with dementia. He was born on June 12, 1943.He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Elma Christian Smith; his sister, Madge Smith Beasley; and brother, Gordon Smith. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and cousins.He graduated from TCHS in 1961. Ray was a friend to all and never met a stranger. He was known for his generosity, helpful spirit, and love for his family. He worked in family businesses, most notably Smith's Motel and Smith's Marina, where he was co-owner with his father and then owner.He loved Alabama football, Alabama memorabilia, antique cars and car shows, riding around pointing out landmarks and sharing stories about them, talking and getting to know everyone he ever met, music, dancing, being with family, and collecting and displaying hundreds of photographs of friends and family in his home. In his final year he really enjoyed going to church to hear preaching and singing.A graveside service will be on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at 4:00 at Goodwater Cemetery followed by visitation and remembrance time at Goodwater United Methodist Church. Norwood-Wyatt Chapel Funeral Home is directing.Honorary pallbearers include: family and friends, TCHS class of 1961, Dr. Regina Harrell, neighbors and caretakers William and Dana Hill, Frank and Tanya Damico, Bobby Buffaloe from Home Instead, Courtney Waller, Caring Days staff, Journey Hospice, caregivers at Glen Haven Rehab and Forest Manor Nursing Home, and former and current employees of Smith's Marina.