Walter H. ‘Buzzy’ Smith Jr.
Walter H. ‘Buzzy’ Smith Jr., 73, life-long resident of Fountain Inn, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, September 1, 2023.
Born in Greenville, he was the son of the late Walter H. Sr. & Marjorie Coleman Smith. Buzzy was a long-time member of Fountain Inn First Baptist Church, and served our country in the U.S. Army and in the Reserves until May 1980 where he served as a Capt. in the Quartermaster Corps. Buzzy was the business owner of Smith & Brooks Inc, and a real estate appraiser. He was a member of the Fountain Inn Rotary Club having served as the club President & Secretary, was Rotarian of The Year 2004-2005, and the recipient of the Special Service Award; was a member of The American Legion, the Chamber of Commerce having served as President 1980-1981, and a Fountain Inn Museum board member. Buzzy graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1968 where he was a member of the golf team. He received a golf scholarship to Clemson College where he earned a bachelors degree in economics and was in ROTC. Buzzy loved the time that he spent on the golf course with friends as a member of Fox Run Country Club.
Mr. Smith is survived by his sister, Caroline Smith Sherman; his nieces, Mary Caroline Riner (Phillip Wood), and Elizabeth Riner Patty (Charles); his great-niece, Elizabeth Siddall; and his great-nephews, John Siddall and Geroge Siddall.
A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, October 1,2023 at 3:00 pm at Fountain Inn First Baptist Church with Dr. Condy Richardson officiating. Interment will follow in Cannon – Byrd Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends at the church starting at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to The Fountain Inn Museum, 102 Depot St, Fountain Inn, SC 29644.
Buzzy was a great and loyal friend. I have many fond memories of golf trips to many different places of beauty. He fought a brave fight the last few years with his health condition. My prayers are with Caroline and the rest of the family. Heaven is his reward and relief from suffering.
I have lost a great friend, blessings to Caroline in her loss
Buzzy was a lifetime friend and a champion of a man!
Buzzy meant a lot to the city of Fountain Inn and to so many other people that knew him. He was forever active in the Rotary, served our Country in his day, was an outstanding golfer, was an avid Clemson fan and could tell you about recruiting and Clemson right up until his last breath.
My wife and I had the privilege of spending some quality time with Buzz about a month ago, and we came away just feeling blessed; Buzzy was just a quality individual, a winner in life.
Prayers for Caroline as she deals with the loss of such a fantastic brother.
Buzzy will be missed! He was a great friend. He was part of the group that met each weekday for breakfast at BoJangles on Laurens Road until covid restrictions came along. I miss my morning conversations with him.
Caroline, I am praying for you!
Buzzy was a loyal friend through high school, four years through Clemson University, and throughout our lives as we moved through our adult years. So many memories. Buzzy, Paul Gault and I had many fine times attending Clemson sporting events. We even went to the ACC basketball tournament in Greensboro and a Major League Baseball Allstar game in Atlanta. I have fond memories of our end of the year senior trip to Myrtle Beach with Paul, Steve Roberson, and Doug Clark. Fond memories to sweeten our blessed lives. Great golfer, wonderful friend, loyal Tiger, snd patriot . Mac Burdette
Buzzy was a great friend. We worked together, I as a Tealtor and he, Appraiser! One of my favorite people. He is missed.
Thelma Jones Ballew
I have known Buzzy for years and was saddend to hear how his health was failing him and of his passing. He was a customer of mine for a long time, and I considered him a friend.
You will be missed in your beloved town of Fountain Inn. From kindergarten to Clemson and living here in our little idyllic hometown, we were always around the corner from each other. I remember going to the golf matches in high school and watching you and Bill Gault bring home a state championship. You were a great golfer, faithful Clemson fan, and an asset to our community. I’m glad I got to spend a little time with you during your final days. I’ll always remember you. Friends forever, Jennie Gault