Walter F. Smith III, age 69 of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, May 19, 2014 at home with his family by his side. He was born April 24, 1945 in Memphis, TN, the son of Walter F. Jr. and Georgia (Ousley) Smith. Walter graduated from St. Matthew's Catholic School in 1962. He married Barbra J. Ross on November 21, 1964 in Flint where they raised their family. Walter owned and operated his own painting and carpentry business, Walbar Corporation. He later was employed by Ferris State University where he worked for 21 years as a painter and carpenter before he retired in April of 2013. Walter enjoyed collecting music and cooking. He loved his family and will always be remembered as a loving and caring person. Walter is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Barbra J. Smith of Big Rapids; son, Walter IV (Sandy) Smith of Grand Blanc; daughter Kimberly A. Smith; mother-in-law, Jennie L. Ross of Big Rapids; five grandchildren, Jonathon, Alexander, Christian, Nicole and Mariah; three sisters, Beverly Smith of Flint, Shirley (Terry) Swarne of CO, Bennie (Wayne) Branch of MN; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will take place 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2014 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Father Wayne Wheeler Jr. officiating. The family will greet friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24th at the Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made in Walter's name to the Ferris State University Library, FLITE; please make checks payable to Ferris Foundation, 420 Oak Street PRK 101, Big Rapids, Michigan 49307.