Walter Smittle Iii

Walter Smittle III, 79, of Ripley, WV passed away on August 25, 2022 at CAMC Memorial surrounded by his family. Walter was born on February 27, 1943 to parents Walter (Nook) Smittle Jr. and Eileen Smittle (Calvert) in New Martinsville, WV. He was a graduate of Marshall University, former educator, coach and administrator for Wetzel County Schools. His interest in the fire service began as a member of his hometown fire department in Paden City, WV. He continued to pursue excellence in the fire service through continued educational opportunities. He received his Master’s Degree in safety from West Virginia University and awarded a fellowship to Harvard University John F Kennedy School of Government. Walt was an Adjunct Professor of WVU in the Safety Studies Department. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. Walter was appointed as the youngest WV State Fire Marshal and served 26 years as the longest serving Fire Marshal until his retirement in 1999. Prior to his retirement Walt served with the National Association of State Fire Marshals, Life Safety Code Committee and served as the Chairman on many NFPA committees overseeing national codes and practices. He continued his commitment with NFPA by being appointed to the Standards Council for two terms. Through his dedication to public safety, Walt received numerous recognitions which include; Standards Medal from the Standards Council, Percy Bugbee Award from the International Fire Marshals Association, Paul C. Lamb award from the Board of Directors NFPA, State Fire Marshal of the Year from the National Association of State Fire Marshals. He has served as 911 Director for Jackson County and most recent as the Director of Emergency Services for Jackson County, WV where he received Emergency Manager of the Year for WV Emergency Management Council. Walter has had a long and fulfilling career serving his beloved state of West Virginia. As most people know Walt never retired but his relaxation besides spending time with family was flying his RC planes and surf fishing when he spent time at the beach. If you would ask Walt one if his joys in life was to teach his Sunday school class. He has been a servant of God all his life and working and serving with his church family at the Ripley Church of Christ where he was an Elder, teacher and worked on various projects around the church. In 1964 Walter met the love of his life Barbara Kay Smittle (Mikes) at a roller rink in Paden City, WV. Walt and Barb married and has devoted 58 years to each other with fun and adventure. They have two children, sons, Walter Matthew Smittle (Debbie) from Murrells Inlet, SC and Jonathan Glenn Smittle from Ashland, KY. Walt was preceded in death by his parents Walter Smittle Jr. and Eileen, grandparents Walter Smittle Sr. and Jessie, grandparents K.W. Calvert and Osgay, He is survived by his wife Barbara K. Smittle (Mikes), son Walter Matthew Smittle (Debbie), son Jonathan Glenn Smittle. Grandchildren, Kelsey Leann Smittle (Austin), Jonah Gabriel Smittle, Samual Cole Smittle. Great grandchildren, Addison Grace Smittle, Mayson Garrett Smith. Sister Barbara Kay Fitzgerald of New Martinsville, brothers, Lance E. Smittle (Pam), Jan Keith Smittle (Linda) and nieces and nephews. A memorial service to celebrate Walt’s life will be held with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 23, 2022 with the memorial service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Waybright Funeral Home. The family would like to extend an invitation for fellowship and refreshments at his beloved Church of Christ in Ripley immediately following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Walt’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children. The family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone for their care and compassion shown with the care of Walt and family. There are too many people to list for their involvement however above and beyond the call of duty would be; Jackson County 911 Center, Jackson County EMS, Ripley Fire Department and the Simmons Drive crew. Online memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com.