Walter Blaine Smith

Walter Blaine Smith, 64, passed away surrounded by family on June 22, 2025, at his home in Brandywine, Maryland. He was born on November 24, 1960, in Birmingham, Alabama.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Dr. Theresa A. Smith; his daughter, SheAir Phillips and her husband Mark of Oak Park, MI; and his two beloved granddaughters Zariya and Amiree. He is also survived by his loving mother, Ernestine Nelson of Detroit, MI; his brother, Hiram Smith and wife Cynthia of Covington, GA; and his sisters: Billestine Deavens of Detroit, MI; Dolores Smith-Boswell and husband Sidney of Detroit, MI; and Cindy Nelson-Kaigama of Jordan, MN.

Walter/Blaine was preceded in death by his father, William H. Smith, and his stepfather, Leroy Nelson.

Walter/Blaine earned a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 2014 and an Associate of Arts degree from Central Texas College in 2011.

He retired from the U.S. Army following 23 years of honorable service and continued his dedication to this nation as a Department of the Army Civilian from 2014 to 2019, and as a Department of the Navy Civilian since 2019. His military and civilian service was recognized with numerous honors, including: Department of the Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, South West Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, U.S. Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal, and the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe

Walter “Blaine” lived a life that exemplified service, strength, and unwavering faith. Throughout his courageous 10-year battle with cancer, he bravely chose to participate in multiple clinical trials to advance medical science and help others still battling cancer. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.

We kindly ask that no flowers be sent. Instead, please consider honoring Walter/Blaine’s generous spirit by donating to a charity of your choice to bless others as he so often did. Alternatively, contributions to his granddaughter’s 529 college fund would be deeply appreciated and can be made at: https://www.ugift529.com/    UGift Code: G66-H42

A Celebration of Life will be held at a date and time to be determined in Birmingham, Alabama and Detroit, Michigan. He will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.