Walton Duane “W.D.” Smith, 92 of Shongaloo, La., passed away Dec. 24, 2025. Bro. Smith answered God’s call to ministry in 1963 and served faithfully for 60 years. He was a U.S. veteran who served following World War II and graduated from Central Baptist College in 1968.
During his 60 years of ministry, Bro. Smith pastored churches in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas, including Trace City Baptist Church in Natchez, Miss., where he served more than 15 years; Spring Branch Baptist Church in Taylor and Liberty Baptist Church in Stamps, where he served for 13 years before resigning in 2007. He later held membership at Walnut Road Baptist Church in Springhill, La.
Bro. Smith was known for his steady leadership, commitment to Scripture and love for the local church. In a 2005 Baptist Trumpet personality profile, he shared that the greatest joy of his ministry was seeing lives changed, and that he most identified with the Bible character David because of his willingness to wait on God’s timing.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Annie Lynell “Nell” Burns Smith; one son, Dr. Gary (Melinda) Smith of Ball, La.; two daughters, Brenda (Glen) Roberts of Natchez, Miss. and Sharon (Rick) Waters of Hot Springs; a sister, Midgie (James) Carey; a brother, Bobby Gene (Ruth Ann) Smith; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Dec. 31, 2025, at Bailey Funeral Home Chapel (baileyfuneralhome.net) in Springhill, La., with interment in the Smith Family Cemetery in Shongaloo, La.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ola Smith Scholarship Fund at Central Baptist College, 1501 College Avenue, Conway, Arkansas 72034.
