Obituary: William “Smitty” Dize

William Smith “Smitty” Dize, Jr., 55, of Saxis, VA and formerly of Cape Charles, VA and Onancock, VA, passed away Friday, December 27, 2024 at his home.

Born in Crisfield, MD on October 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 December 31, 2022. He was responsible for numerous events to promote tourism and local camaraderie such as the Cape Charles Clam Slam, Cape Charles Shuck & Suck, and numerous other boat docking and seafood events. Other career and leadership highlights include current General Manager at Sun Outdoors Chesapeake Bay, General Manager at Oasis Experiences, Manager at the Oyster Farm Marina & Vacation Rentals, and was Harbor Master at 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, holiday celebrations, and 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, VA and Seth Dize of Corpus Christi, TX; 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, January 11, 2025 at 1 PM at Christ Fellowship Bible Church in Marion Station, MD with a visitation from 11AM until service time at 1 PM. Pastors Jim Evans and Stephen Willing will officiate.  Interment will be Monday, January 13, 2025 on 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.