Mr. William Smith “Smitty” Dize Jr., 55, of Saxis, and formerly of Cape Charles and Onancock, passed away Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, at his home.
Born in Crisfield, Md., on Oct. 15, 1969, he was raised on Smith Island and was a son of Jennifer Evans Dize, of Ewell, Smith Island, and the late William Smith Dize Sr.
A member of the Crisfield High School class of 1987, Smitty was a waterman in his younger years before he joined the Merchant Marines in 1991. He was an active merchant mariner until 2007.
Smitty was a dedicated leader and advocate for the Cape Charles community and beyond, serving as mayor of Cape Charles from July 1, 2018, until Dec. 31, 2022. He was responsible for numerous events to promote tourism and local camaraderie, such as the Cape Charles Clam Slam, Cape Charles Shuck and Suck, and several other boat docking and seafood events.
Other career and leadership highlights include being the general manager at Sun Outdoors Chesapeake Bay, general manager at Oasis Experiences, manager at the Oyster Farm Marina and Vacation Rentals, and harbor master at the Town of Cape Charles. He was a member of the Onancock Elks Lodge, former associate member of the Cape Charles Fire Department, and former member of Onancock Fire Department.
He loved cooking, boating, and holiday celebrations, and he was an avid Steelers football fan. Most of all he loved his family and adored his dog, “Dock.” His big smile, larger-than-life personality, and zest for life will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his mother, Jennifer Evans Dize, of Ewell; two sons, Evan Dize, of Poquoson, and Seth Dize, of Corpus Christi, Texas; his sister and brother, Ruby Renee Drewer and husband, Cliff, of Crisfield, and Marty Dize, of Crisfield; the love of his life, Tammi Reese, of Crisfield; nieces and nephews, Carrie Drewer, Leland Foston Chandler IV, “KK” Chandler Wilkins, Taylor Chandler, Tyler Chandler, and Daniel Chandler; the mother of his children, Ruth Chandler Somers, of Onancock; and many, many, special friends.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 11, at 1 p.m. at Christ Fellowship Bible Church in Marion Station, Md., with a visitation from 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. Pastors Jim Evans and Stephen Willing will officiate. Interment will be Monday, Jan. 13, in Ewell, Smith Island.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are strongly encouraged to be sent to Ewell United Church, Ewell, MD 21824; Christ Fellowship Bible Church, 5910 Crisfield Highway, Marion Station, MD 21838; or a favorite animal rescue charity of your choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield.
