"My deepest sympathy to Cynthia and the Smothers family for the loss of dear Walter. May you find comfort and strength in our Lord Jesus at this difficult time. With love, Cheryl McCray"
In loving memory of
Walter H. Smothers
November 7, 1937 - June 19, 2021
Walter Holland Smothers, 83, of Middletown, RI, passed away on Saturday, June 19, 2021. Walter was born in Bermuda to the late Norman Huggins Butterfield and Edith Burgess (Truesdale). Walter was the husband of Cynthia L. Perkins Smothers for 34 years.
Walter is survived by his wife Cynthia L. Smothers, daughter Deona N. Dean (Lambert), sisters Lois Astwood, Suzette Butterfield, Sherrell Mundy (Kingsley), Betteann Darrell (Erskine), Norma Smith, Doris Butterfield Beecher and brother Roderick Butterfield. Additional family survivors are Ronald W. Jones (Dianne), Darryll L. Jones (Christen), Mark A. Jones, and Wendell J. Jones, (Pam). A host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Newport, RI; Virginia Beach, VA; Montgomery, AL; California; and Exeter, NH. There are several brother-in laws; a host of sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews in Bermuda and the USA. John Brown and Henry Spencer and family were very close friends. Walter is remembered by many friends at the John Clarke Retirement Center in Middletown, RI; as well as Cross-point Church, and Community Baptist Church in Newport, RI.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Audrey Smothers.
Walter enlisted into the United States Air Force in January 1959 and was honorably discharged in January 1961. Walter graduated from Providence College with a BA in Ministry. He served as a Christian Minister of the Gospel with messages of goodwill for many years. He was an active member of CrossPoint Church. Another ministry mission was distributing the Our Daily Bread devotion booklets to many people for many years. Walter often quoted "Your coffee did not wake you up, God did." Walter worked for the former Hyatt Hotel, today the Double Tree Hotel, and recently worked as a Stop and Shop cashier.
Calling hours will be held in CrossPoint Church, 14 Rhode Island Avenue, Newport, RI on Sunday, July 4, 1:00 pm-2:00pm, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 pm.
On Tuesday, July 6th, 12PM, burial will be held in Trinity Cemetery in Portsmouth, RI.
Memorial donations can be made to CrossPoint Church at https://www.crosspointri.org/give.
Tributes
"Love you Granddaddy ? You will be truly missed !! Love you always watch over me and Niyah ?? Love , Shan "
"Lynn Venancio Walter was one of the nicest men I have ever met, he had a smile that would light up a room. He will sorely be missed. I am sorry for your loss, Cynthia. If you need anything, I will gladly help you out. "
"To my sister Cynthia, I'm sorry for your loss, may God keep you and the Smothers family. Walter, is free and at rest. So long Mr. chicken you can show them how in heaven. "Dance on" Marsha Mitchell "
"Rev. Smothers was a wonderful man, full of the Spirit of God. His amazing bass voice that reverberated through the atmosphere was unique. My sincere condolences to Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Smothers, and the entire Smothers family. May the grace of God comfort and keep you during this time of sorrow."
"Daddy I know it?s late but am up just thinking about how I will never hear your voice again to simply say Dede. I know God needed a King and he called home the best man on earth to watch over me. I love you so much daddy. Love you, your baby girl."
"I love you Daddy "
"My deepest Sympathy to the Smothers family. He was quite the gentleman, always smiling and friendly. He will surely be missed by all who knew him. Mike Kane Apt. #109 JCRC "
"Walter and Cynthia are my next door neighbors. When you speak to Walter he leaves a sense of being a quiet, humble nice human being. I always enjoy our conversations. He is well respected and he will be missed. God Bless him and his family."
"Cynthia and Family. I am so sorry to hear about Walter. Please Accept my Sincerest Condolences. Rest in Heavenly Peace Walter."
"Dad, I remember the day I ask you and Mom if it would be ok for me to call you my Dad and Mom and you both said yes. You will always be in my heart. Rest in Peace. Your Daughter Dianne."