Walter Smith Linville, Jr., D.D.S

Walter Smith Linville Jr., D.D.S. of Wilson, NC passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 96 on July 29, 2026. Walt was preceded in death by his wife Deas Capehart Linville, his parents Walter Smith Linville Sr. and Lola Jessup Linville, his two older sisters, Jane Linville Joyner and Ann Linville Bailey and his first wife Jane Dawson Linville.

Walt grew up in a loving home in Kernersville, NC that greatly influenced his life. Walt was born in the same home in Kernersville where his father was born in 1892. Walt graduated from Kernersville High School where he was valedictorian. He lettered in football and basketball and was President of his senior class.

Walt attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with an undergraduate degree in science and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Walt recognized the importance of education. He and his sisters established a scholarship honoring their parents at their hometown church, Main Street Methodist Church in Kernersville. Walt and his oldest daughter Lynn Linville-Lauritano, who was also a dentist, established a scholarship, The Linville Family Scholarship at the UNC Dental School. Walt was a strong supporter of UNC athletics and was a Big Ram for over 65 years.

Walt proudly served in the U.S. Army Dental Corp. as a captain and practiced in the Army for two years after dental school. After the service, he moved his family to Wilson, NC.

Walt was very active in the Wilson community and in his church, the First United Methodist Church. He was a scout master, taught Sunday School, served on many church committees and served as Chairman of the Administrative Board. He also served as Chairman of the Building Committee after the disastrous fire that destroyed the church sanctuary in 1982. Walt also loved the Elks Club, served as the Exalted Ruler (i.e., head of the local lodge) in 1980 and was a loyal member for more than 60 years.

Walt practiced dentistry in Wilson for 51 years. He loved dentistry, his patients and his excellent staff. He was also active in statewide dental organizations and served as President of the North Carolina Dental Society, President of the UNC at Chapel Hill Dental Foundation and the UNC at Chapel Hill Dental Alumni Association.

Walt was father to three beloved daughters, Lynn Linville-Lauritano, Nancy Linville Bost, and Ginny Linville Kirkland. In 1982, Walt married Deas Capehart Coble and lovingly welcomed her daughters, Genie Coble Winborne and Cameron Coble Lowe, into his family.

In retirement, Walt and Deas loved gathering their family to their Topsail Beach home. Walt loved golfing, fishing with his many friends and especially loved being a grandfather. He and Deas also traveled the world with friends and family.

Walt will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Lynn (Al), Nancy (Nick), Ginny (Byron), Genie, and Cameron (John). He will be so missed by his grandchildren, Byron Barnes Kirkland, Jr., Virginia Dawson Kirkland, Deas Manning Winborne, John William Lowe, Jr., his namesake Walter Jessup Lowe and Cameron St. Claire Lowe.

Walt’s family is especially grateful for the loving care and friendship of his primary caregiver, Carol Locklear, who was an extraordinary companion to Walt over the last year. The family is also grateful for the loving care and support provided by Hospice of Wilson and the services of Acorn Home Care Services of Chapel Hill.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 100 Green Street in Wilson, NC at 1:00 on Saturday, August 8, 2026, with a visitation with family immediately following the service in Asbury Hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to go to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1423, Wilson, NC 27894 or the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net