H. Smith Walter

HUGH SMITH WALTER, age 90, a native and lifelong resident of Forest Hill, died at his home on October 31, 2002.

A career miller, he was the fourth generation Walter to own and operate a water powered mill. Walter’s Mill, located on Deer Creek, was the last water wheel operated corn meal, buckwheat flour and wheat flour mill in Harford County. Additionally, he owned and operated Bel Air Farm Supply. Carrying on in the family tradition, it is now owned and operated by his grandson and wife, Henry and Brenda Holloway, known as The Mill of Bel Air. He formerly owned Blue Ridge Flooring Company in Darlington, manufacturing hardwood flooring. He sold the sawmill business to his son-in-law and daughter, Jim and Ruth Lawrence, and it became Lawrence Lumber Co. His agricultural endeavor consisted of a 400 acre dairy and grain farm. He was formerly a director of Delta Bank, Southern Pennsylvania Bank and Harford Memorial Hospital. He was an active member of the Bel Air Rotary Club, Masons Lodge #176, Cardiff and the Harford County Farm Bureau. He was a member of the Highland Presbyterian Church.

He was the son of the late Charles H. and Nellie K. Walter. He was the husband of the late Alma B. Walter, (nee Bachman).

Mr. Walter is survived by two daughters, Barbara W. Holloway of Darlington; Ruth W. Lawrence of Forest Hill; 8 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, Dolores Healy.

Pallbearers were: Henry Holloway, Andrew Holloway, James Lawrence, II, Mark Healy, Peter Wakefield, Richard Grifasi, Anthony Mezzatesta, and J. William Poole.

Those who desire may contribute to Highland Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, c/o Nancy R. Jones, 3941 Ady Road, Pylesville, Maryland 21132 or to Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church, c/o Pat Raab, Treas., 2012 Whitehouse Road, Bel Air, Maryland 21015.