Walter Smith, age 69, of Leitchfield, KY, passed away Sunday, (July 19, 2026) at his residence.

He was born on October 27, 1956, in Caneyville, KY, the son of the late Elsie Mae Burden Hayse.

He worked for Middle Ground Golf for 17 years, where he helped manufacture golf clubs. He later worked for OFS as a forklift operator. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching westerns, especially Gunsmoke, playing solitaire, hunting and fishing. Above all, he cherished spending time with his grandchildren, who brought him great joy.

He is survived by his life-partner, Linda Ford of Leitchfield; two step-sons, Robert Ford (Elizabeth) of North Carolina and Randy Scott Ford of Leitchfield; three grandchildren Amber Ford (Shawn), Chris Ford (Donna) and Megan Girbal (Manuel); six great-grandchildren, Zoey Glasscock, Aidan Ford, Madison Ford, and Manuel, Daniel, Gabriel Girbal; one brother, Patrick Henry Ford of Leitchfield; and two sisters, Martha Ford of Frankfort and Sarah Forbes of Elizabethtown; and one brother in law, Billy Bratcher of Spring Lick. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Other than his mother, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Justin Ford, three brothers, Norman Gene Smith, Mike Ford and Gordon Smith and a sister Alberta Bratcher.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, (July 25, 2026) at the Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield. His step-son, Robert Ford, will be officiating. Burial will be in the New Hope Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. on Saturday until time of services.

Expressions of Sympathy may take the form of donations to the Dermitt Funeral Home.