Walter James "Slip" Smiley, Jr.

Walt began his earthly journey on July 23, 1978, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Walter Sr. and the late Nancy Howell‑Smiley. He accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age under the leadership of his late grandfather, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Calvin Howell Sr., at Providence Missionary Baptist Church.

Walt attended South Side High School and was a dedicated employee at the Amazon Distribution Center in Fort Wayne. His previous employers included Sweetwater and Caravan.

He loved spending time with his family and friends and enjoyed the outdoors—especially being on his boat at the lake, fishing. Walt deemed himself the “King” of spades (you had to keep an eye on him for sure). He and his sister Shirley would often sneak off to the casino, only calling the others on their way back.

To his friends, he was like a brother and loved them all. There was never a dull moment in his presence. We will all miss his shy grin and contagious laugh.

Walt was very skilled on the grill and made some of the best ribs around town.

Walt met the love of his life, Teresa Mazique, in 2014. They were engaged on July 14, 2016, and married on August 5, 2017. Teresa and Walt enjoyed traveling, going to comedy shows, and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

He also enjoyed spending time with his dogs, Ice and Storm.

Walt was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Howell‑Smiley; daughter, Kamiza Smiley; maternal grandparents, Rev. Calvin Sr. and Magnolia Howell; paternal grandparents, Eugene and Edna‑Mae Thigpen; great‑grandmother, Nancy J. Hill; Aunt Jean and Uncle Calvin Jr.; Uncle Richard Smiley; Aunt Elaine Smiley; and special cousin, Dominik Files.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Teresa; daughter, Janyla Mack of Detroit, MI; son, DeMarion Smiley; grandchildren, Londyn and Justn Jr.; father and “bonus mom,” Walter Sr. and Jackie Smiley; sisters, Shirley Jones, Katrina Smiley, Sabrina Smiley, and Yolanda Townes; brother, Jeremy Church; in‑laws, William and Roshell Mazique; sisters‑in‑law, Katrina and Patricia Mazique of Terre Haute, IN; along with a host of other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.