Walker J. Smith, affectionately known as "J5" was born
January 29, 1940, to the late Leon Smith and Etoulia
Caldwell Smith in Smyrna SC (Cherokee County). Later in
life his family moved to Forest City NC. Walker attended
Carver High School in Spindale NC.

He was affectionately known for his bubbly personality, caring
heart, and joyful spirit. Before moving to Baltimore MD, he
was employed at Cone Mills. Walker is preceded in death
by his wife Pearl H. Smith, his brothers Eugene (Annette)
Smith, Clinzo Smith, Alton "Joe" Smith, and his sister
Rosetta Smith Lynch, his son Jerome Smith Sr., daughters
Karen Smith-Hall and Wanda Dugger, and his grandson
Jucobe Johnson. Walker gave his life to Christ at an early
age. Later in life, he became a devoted member of Mt.
Zion Church.

He was employed with General Motors in
Martinsburg, West Virginia, for over twenty-five years. After
retiring, he continued to work with Broadway Services,
where he-was respected for his strong work ethic and
dedication. Walker was passionate about baseball — he
loved playing the game in his younger years and was known to be a talented ballplayer.

Even later in life, he never
lost his love for the sport and enjoyed spending time
watching it. He also loved traveling, working on cars, and
spending quality time with his family and friends.

He met
and married the love of his life, Pearl H. Smith, and
together they shared many beautiful memories. "J5" was
deeply family-orientedand known for his giving nature. As
a result, he became a "godfather" to many, including India
Mouton & Jamila Jones.