Phil Smith, Walt Disney World’s First Employee, Passes Away at 83

Before Walt Disney World was built, Phil Smith became the attraction’s first permanent employee. According to The Orlando Sentinel, the lawyer helped “pave the legal path for much of the attraction’s development.” Smith passed away yesterday due to complications from kidney disease and COPD. He was 83.

Although he was apparently only a few years out of law school when he was hired, Disney Legend Dick Nunis remembers that Smith was extremely competent. “Under Phil Smith I never had to worry about any legal problems. I knew we had a very competent guy that would take care of it,” he said. Nunis also said that Smith’s common phrase was “Let me see if I can find a way.”

Smith retired from Walt Disney World in the 90s while serving as the senior vice president of administration and support.

In a statement, Walt Disney World president George Kalogridis said of Smith, “Phil played a significant role in the development of Walt Disney World and his contributions will long be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”