Walter H. Smith, who was from Chattanooga, began his work at Atlanta Life in 1924. A friend of Norris Herndon, Smith also graduated from Atlanta University and received his master's in business administration from Harvard University. Working first as a field agent and inspector in Birmingham, Smith eventually moved to the home office where he became engaged in bookkeeping and financial investment. He became the company's senior investment officer and was elected to the board of directors in 1936, serving Atlanta Life until his death in 1972. Smith was a member of First Congregational Church and a board director of the Butler Street YMCA. Smith's files are extensive documentation of the company's investments in stocks, bonds, real estate, and loans, and of its relationship with the various state insurance departments. The Smith files also contain correspondence with older company officials, such as Cyrus Campfield, George Lee, and Fred Toomer. There is a large portion of records detailing the company's relationship with Citizens Trust Bank.