The Scottish Football Association described Smith as “one of the most successful managers in Scottish football history”, while Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called him a “true football great”.
“On behalf of the Rangers Board of Directors, staff and players, I extend my deepest condolences to the Smith family,” Rangers chairman Douglas Park told the club’s website on Tuesday.
“Walter leaves behind wife, children and grandchildren, all of whom are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
As well as those 10 league titles, Rangers won five Scottish Cups and six League Cups with Smith as manager.
“It’s almost impossible to explain what Walter means to each and every one of us at Rangers,” Park said. “He embraced everything a Ranger should be.
“His character and leadership were second to none, and will live long in the memory of everyone who worked with him during his two tenures as first team manager.
“For that, I am personally grateful. I know he continued to interact with senior staff members, including our manager, Steven Gerrard.”
Smith also managed English Premier League club Everton for four years and was the manager of the Scotland national team for two years.
West Ham’s Scottish manager David Moyes told the League Managers’ Association: “I looked at Walter with great respect.”
“He was such a great Scottish manager, but to me, he was an even better man,” Moyes said. “He was respectable, he showed great dignity, and always displayed such class.
“He was a true friend and mentor, and I am privileged to have known such a man. He will always be remembered fondly.”
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