CHARLOTTE -- Walter Little Smith, "Smut", of Charlotte, NC, died Monday, September 3, 2007 in Charlotte.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sara and his sister, Alice Smith Grady. Born in Raleigh October 18, 1914, he was the son of the late Samuel Neill and Alice Woollcott Smith. He was a graduate of Hugh Morson High School. A 1935 graduate of North Carolina State, he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order and the North Carolina Society of Engineers. He was appointed to the United States Military Academy in the summer of 1935. After leaving the Academy, he received his reserve commission and was assigned to the 23rd infantry in Fort Sam Houston, TX. In 1937, he returned to NC where he began his career in the construction equipment business with North Carolina Equipment Company. In 1939, he married the former Sara Elizabeth Smitherman of Troy , NC.

Walter began active duty in 1941 at Jackson Army Air base, Jackson, MS, followed by Fort Bragg, Camp Sutton, and the Volunteer Ordnance Works in Tyner, TN before shipping off to England. Lt. Colonel Smith was Chief of the Supply Division, Eastern Base Section of the Army Corps of Engineers while overseas. When he left Watford in 1944, he returned to London to head up the HQ of the ASCZ (Advance section, communications zone). From London, they went to Bristol, then to the continent (Brussels, Strasbourg, Cherbourg and Fulder.) He was stationed in Europe for over three years, and was awarded the Legion of Merit for "Exceptionally Meritorious Conduct in the Performance of Outstanding Service," the Bronze Star, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, ETO ribbon with five battle stars. He participated in the Invasion at Omaha Beach, following behind the front lines. His supply division was supporting the First, Third and Ninth armies. Lt. Col. Smith returned to the States via Paris in September 1945.

After WWII, Walter resumed his career in the construction business, first with North Carolina Equipment Company and later with Blythe Brothers Construction Company. In 1972, he was featured by White Motor Corporation in Forbes Magazine and Wall Street Journal ads as their face of integrity. The Raleigh News and Observer called him "Good Natured, but Steely" in their Tar Heel of the Week feature.

In the 1950's, he found a way to return his good fortune to the community. He served on the board of directors of the North Carolina Children's Orthopedic Hospital in Gastonia and as its president for several years. Always an active alumnus, he became involved in the building committee for NC State. In 1958, Governor Luther Hodges appointed him to the Board of Trustees of the University of North Carolina . When, in 1971, the Board of Governors for the University System was formed, along with individual Boards of Trustees for each campus, he was appointed to the NC State University board and served as its second chairman from 1973-79. In 1983, N.C. State University graciously awarded him the Watauga Medal for his service to the school. Walter was also on the board of directors of the Research Triangle Foundation for several years.

Walter never met a stranger; his true passion was his connection with people of all ages and stations. Friendships forged as a child, at NC State, through KA Order, at West Point, during World War II, in his career and through the church were cherished and always carefully tended.

Walter is survived by his daughter, Sally A. Smith of Greenville, SC; his son, Samuel W. Smith of Stanfield, NC; grandchildren James Walter Smith of Stanfield, Christian Smith Clodfelter and her husband, Chris of Locust; and three greatgrandchildren. He is also survived by several dear cousins, nieces, nephews and godchildren, all of whom enriched his life.

For 60 years, Walter was a devoted, faithful member of Mouzon United Methodist Church in Charlotte where a memorial service will be held held on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. Interment will be prior to the service in Southside Cemetery in Troy , NC at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Mouzon United Methodist Church, 3100 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28209; Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region. Or NC State University Caldwell Fellows Scholarships, Office of Gift Planning, Campus Box 7501, Raleigh, NC 27695-7501, www.ncsu. edu/annualgiving

Arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd. Online at www.hankinsandwhittington.com