Wallace Wayne Smith, known affectionately as Wally, age 91, passed away peacefully on May 8th 2024, in Folsom California, surrounded by his loving family.
Wally was born on November 5, 1932, in Arlington Arizona to the late Jimmy William Smith and Coy Ilene Salyer. Shortly after his birth the family relocated to California where he went to primary school in Live Oak. The family eventually settled down in Vacaville where he attended Jr High and graduated from Vacaville High School (Class of ’51). He married Naomi June Smith in 1952, whom he devoted his life to even after her early passing in 1993.
Wallace had a long and successful career with the California Department of Corrections. He first became a guard after working as a contractor building the California Medical Facility Prison in Vacaville. He spent the next several decades working at various prisons throughout California; California Men’s Colony, San Luis Obispo, Institution for Men, Chino, Pilot Rock Conservation Prison Camp, Crestline, State Department Head Quarters, Sacramento. His career culminated in Folsom where he led the construction of New Prison Folsom (CSP, Sac) as Deputy Warden. Wally retired from the state after 33 years of service. Governor of California Deukmejian summarized his career as”…highly inspirational and has set a high standard of achievement which others will strive to equal.” He retired in 2003.
Wally will be remembered for his devotion to his wife, unwavering support of his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He was a jokester, who had a wonderful sense of humor which he kept through his last days. People often described him as humble, incredibly loyal and generous person. Wally was an avid hunter, painter, collector and loyal fan of the Kings, Giants and 49ers.
In addition to his late wife Naomi, he is also preceded in death by daughter Jeanette Wills and son Bobby Smith; granddaughter Chalice Akin; siblings Dorothy Elliot and Alvin Smith; and son-in-law James Akin.
He is survived by his children Susan Akin and Jim Smith (Shani); grandchildren Christine Akin (Yoni Tabac), Candice Kreisa (Alan), Bryon Wills (Lisa), James Akin (Tashina Hererra), Justin Wills, and Matthew, Trent (Meredith), Brody, Dalton (Jacklyn), Blake, Zachary, Logan, and Laci Smith; great grandchildren Morgan, Matan, Austin, Eliana, Landon, Sedona, Nitay, Libi, Atticus, William, Amethyst, Tristan and Jackson; sister Annette White and brother Doug Smith; daughter-in-law Karen Smith as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Thursday May 16th 10:30am at Vacaville-Elmira Cemetery 522 Elmira Rd, Vacaville CA 95687, arranged by McCune Garden Chapel.
Please join us in celebrating Wally’s life and honoring his memory. “There are no bad days, some are just better than others.” – Wally Smith
