George Frederick Walls

George “Fred” Frederick Walls, 76, of Smithfield, Virginia, passed away on September 11, 2026, in Smithfield, VA. Fred was born on August 31, 1950, in Newport News, Virginia, to George Francis Walls and Katherine Wilson Walls. He grew up in Isle of Wight County and graduated from Smithfield High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the College of William & Mary and continued his education at Virginia State University.

Fred served his country for six years in the United States Army Reserve as a Counter Intelligence Agent, achieving the rank of Specialist-Six (E6). His father was an integral part of the Smithfield community and established several local businesses, including G.F. Walls Insurance Agency. In 1976, Fred took over the agency and continued his father’s legacy as its principal agent. For nearly five decades, he faithfully served his clients and community as a trusted independent insurance agent. In 2020, he sold the agency to his son, Jacob “Jay” Walls, and continued working in the insurance profession until his retirement in 2024. 

In addition to his career, Fred was deeply committed to civic life and the local community. He dedicated many years of service to area businesses as Chairman of the Isle of Wight-Smithfield-Windsor Chamber of Commerce. He was likewise an active member of the Smithfield Kiwanis Club, holding the office of secretary for the 1982–1983 term. His steadfast dedication to service touched the lives of countless neighbors and regional organizations throughout the area. 

While attending Smithfield High School, Fred met Darby Dilley in the 11th grade. After dating for four years, they married and built a beautiful life together. Fred and Darby shared 55 years of marriage marked by love, faith, devotion, and family. He was a deeply loving husband, an incredible father, and a cherished “Opa.” Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Darby Dilley Walls; his three children, Jacob “Jay” Walls and his wife, Michelle Kidder-Walls; Amy Walls Gibson and her husband, Jeremy Gibson; and Benjamin “Ben” Walls and his wife, Ashley Foster Walls. He is also survived by his sister, Katherine Walls Mountjoy; his grandchildren, Jami Kidder-Walls, Mija Kidder-Walls, Jace Kidder-Walls, Jordan Gibson, Hope Sexton, Kinsington Walls, and Foster Walls; and his great-grandchildren, Lincoln Kidder-Walls and Brynlee Sexton. He was preceded in death by his parents, George “Butch” Francis Walls and Katherine Wilson Walls.

Fred was loving, faithful, and passionate about his relationship with Jesus Christ. His Christian faith was not simply something he spoke about—it was the foundation of his life and was evident in the way he loved his family, served his church, and cared for his community.

He was an instrumental leader in the foundation of Carrollton Baptist Church, where he served as the Building Committee Chairman and dedicated his time as the overseer of the General Contractor for the construction of the church building. For many years, Fred also helped lead a summer Bible camp lovingly known as “Day Camp” at Morgarts Beach and Carrollton Baptist Church. Through this ministry, he shared the love of Christ and positively influenced generations of young people throughout the local community.

Fred was a passionate member of The Gideons International, serving as a founding charter member of the Smithfield Gideon Camp (circa 1980). He went on to serve for three years as the Virginia State Chaplain. Helping place God’s Word into the hands of others was one of the great passions of his life. This calling took him across the globe on international Gideon mission trips, where he traveled to Kenya twice, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Bulgaria to distribute Scriptures.

Fred also deeply enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family, often finding ways to intertwine his love for his family with his passion for sharing Jesus. Numerous family vacations took them to Colorado; Florida; South Carolina; Stuttgart, Germany and Fort Clayton, Panama. Never one to leave his ministry behind, these trips were frequently paired with spontaneous backyard Vacation Bible School events, where Fred would enthusiastically gather local children to share the Gospel wherever the family happened to be staying.

Fred was known for his larger-than-life and sometimes extreme sense of humor, which brought laughter and unforgettable memories to those who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of absolute devotion to his family, a lifelong commitment to service, and an unshakeable faith in his Savior.

His favorite passage of Scripture was Proverbs 3:5–6, which beautifully reflected the way he sought to live:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Although his family grieves his absence, they are comforted by the assurance that Fred has been made whole and is now in the presence of his Creator. His life was a testimony of faith, and his legacy will continue through his family, the people he served, the young lives touched through Day Camp, and every Bible distributed through the ministry he so dearly loved.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Little’s Funeral Home from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Carrollton Baptist Church beginning at 11:00 am, with a reception immediately following the service. A graveside service will take place at the Uzzle Methodist Church cemetery following the reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Gideons International to support the continued distribution of Bibles—a mission that was especially close to Fred’s heart. Donations may be made on the following website: sendtheword.org or mailed to:

The Gideons International

P.O. Box 140800

Nashville, TN 37214

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com