Walter "Jack" Smith

Walter “Jack” Smith, 88, of Cherry Valley, passed away on September 29, 2022, at home. He was born on March 18, 1934, in Rison, Arkansas, the son of Henry and Nanny Bell (Jackson) Smith. Walter served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1955, serving in the Korean War. He married Solveig Johansson on October 11, 1958, in New York City, NY, and attended Art Students League College in New York City. He worked as a commercial artist and for the United States Postal Service for 23 years, but his favorite job was being a dad. Jack was a longtime member of First Assembly of God Church in Rockford, North Shore Assembly of God Church in Skokie, and, in his later years, attended Rockford Salvation Army Temple Corp. He was a strong, faithful and devoted Christian, and would witness about the Lord to everyone. He was a family man, who absolutely adored and took care of his wife, daughter, and grandsons. He was a prolific artist who painted a variety of subjects and he was an amazing storyteller who had a story for every occasion. In life, he enjoyed eating, talking, reading the Bible, and watching westerns. He was willing to help anyone, as he had a wonderful open heart. He was very proud of serving his country and was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Vets Roll trip to Washington D.C.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Solveig; daughter, Tanya (Scott) Myers; grandsons, Jack and Dylan Myers; sister, Sherrell (Gene) Hodges, sisters-in-law, Elsie Carlson and Siv Willis; cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family members including Benny, Raymond, and William. He is predeceased by his parents, brother Jerry Smith, and brothers-in-law Paul Johnson and Ray Willis.

The family would like to give a special thanks to all the caregivers who provided him with such exceptional care during his final year.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 11:00 am, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. A visitation will take place prior to the service, starting at 9:30 am at the same location. Burial will be in Charter Oak Cemetery in Kirkland. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rockford Rescue Mission or the Vets Roll. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.