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Walter Jay Grubbs, 67, of Smithfield, passed away on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. He was the son of the late Floyd Fletcher Grubbs and Blanche Wiener Grubbs. Walter is survived by his wife of 19 years, Leslie Ann Messick; daughter, Jennifer Grubbs Mathes; son, Erik Grubbs (Kela); grandchildren, Hunter, Cole, Teilor, Heiden and Karter; sisters, Debra Grubbs Welch and Mary Ann Grubbs Fox (Edward); nephews, Brian Welch (Brenda), Jeremy Welch (Angel), Kory Fox (Megan); niece, Kylie Fox; great-nephew Jakob Welch; great-nieces Kelsie Welch and Katherine Welch, and many close friends and neighbors. Mr. Grubbs was a hard worker, dedicated to his work and his clients as a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley. Walter was a good family man, loving husband, and wonderful son-in-law. Mr. Grubbs was and a caring man who was very outgoing and never met a stranger. He was not just the guy next door, but a true friend, willing to do anything to help his neighbors. Walter had many friends from all walks of life. It was a blessing to call him a friend. He was president of the 1971 class of Warwick High School and still enjoyed being active in class reunions, maintaining relationships with many classmates. Walter was an avid weekend golfer and a passionate amateur chef who loved his kitchen. Walter Grubbs loved his country and was an extremely proud American.

As the son of an Army Captain, Walter learned early the lessons of patriotism and was not shy about telling anyone who would listen. Mr. Grubbs was also proud of his family’s blended Methodist and Jewish heritage and traditions. We mourn the loss of this wonderful man but are rich in the many beautiful memories he gave us. Walter has risen to a better place and will enjoy many beautiful fairways to come. For those of us he left behind, a graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, at St. Luke’s Memorial Park, Smithfield. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield. If donations are preferred in lieu of flowers, they may be made to the Isle of Wight Christian Outreach or the Isle of Wight Humane Society, www.iowchs.org. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.