Willie Dewayne Smith "Smitty"

COURTESY ANNOUNCEMENT

Willie Dewayne Smith “Smitty”, age 91 of Galax, Virginia passed away Sunday, July 19, 2026 at the Davis McDaniel Veterans Care Center in Salem, Virginia. Willie Dewayne was born in Gary, West Virginia on September 13, 1934 to Howard Harrison Smith Sr. and Susie Jane Day.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his spouse Alma Jean Wilson; daughter, Kathie Hicks; son, Mark Smith; sisters, Edna Yount and Elsie Payne; and brother Howard Smith.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in- law, Trina and Larry Van Hoose, and eight grandchildren: Justin Hicks, Jared Hicks, Joshua Hicks, Olivia McMillan, Nolan Davis, Nicholas Smith, Dwayne Smith and Heather Hudson. Seventeen great-grandchildren; special friend Nellie Mabe; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Willie Dewayne proudly served 24 active years in the United States Navy as E-7 Chief Petty Officer and fought in the Korean War. He served 6 years inactive (reserve) service. After retirement, he enjoyed beef farming, saw milling, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

A graveside service will be held Friday, July 31, 2026 at 1:00 PM, at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, Virginia, with full military honors. There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Navy Memorial at www.navymemorial.org, Wounded Warriors at www.Wounded Warrior Project, or Farmer Veteran Coalition at: https://farmvetco.org/donate/

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.seaglefuneralhome.com. 

Arrangements by Seagle Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Pulaski. 540-980-1700