Cyrus Porter Smith

Cyrus Porter Smith of Oxford, MD, died peacefully surrounded by his family on June 30, 2016, at Bayleigh Chase, Easton, MD. Born on December 11, 1938, in Orange, NJ, he was the third son of the late Russell Yerby Smith and Judith Talcott Smith. He was a 1956 graduate of The Pingry School in New Jersey and graduated from the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, in 1960, with a degree in Fine Arts. Shortly after graduation, Cy married his college sweetheart, Deborah Steuart Myers. As an ROTC graduate of the college, Cy served his country from 1961 to 1964 as an EOD officer in the US Army at Ft. Polk, LA. In 1964, he returned to civilian life, moving back to NJ with his wife and two children, Katharine and Christopher. He was employed by Travelers Insurance in Newark, NJ, and then by Frank H. Taylor Insurance Agency of East Orange, NJ. During this time his third child, Eugene, was born. The family moved from Morristown, NJ, to Morris Township, NJ, in 1966, and Cy and Debbie remained in that area until his retirement in 2001 when they moved to Oxford. In 1971, Cy decided to incorporate his design expertise with his successful sales experience and was employed by New Associated Services of Plainfield, NJ. In 1975, he accepted a position as an Account Executive with Impact Exhibits of Dayton, NJ, specializing in custom design trade show exhibits. He retired in August 2001 after 26 years with Impact to pursue his love of salt water fishing and boating on a daily basis from their second home in Oxford. In 2005, they moved into a home on Boone Creek that he lovingly designed for their retirement years. Cy’s love of people and his varied hobbies and interests allowed him to become involved in many organizations. He was an avid fisherman and power boater, historian of antique firearms, expert marksman, conservationist, and all around handyman for those needing help with a special project. He loved woodworking and completed many pieces of furniture for his family and friends. Cy served as president of the Mid-Shore chapter of CCA for several years, was a volunteer at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Habitat for Humanity, Creekwatchers, his parish church, and the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. He served as a board member of the Borden Mining Company, the Brigade of the American Revolution, the U.S. International Muzzleloading Team, the NJ Arms Collectors Association and the Oxford Community Center. He was captain of the US Muzzleloading team for the 1983 international shoot in Versailles, France. Locally he enjoyed membership at the Talbot Rod and Gun Club for many years. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Deborah Myers Smith of Oxford; his children, Katharine Steuart Smith, Natale (Carmen Joseph) of Tewksbury Twp., NJ, Christopher Weber Smith of Oxford, MD, and Eugene Sterling Smith (Kathryn Kline) of Warren, NJ; three grandchildren, Nicole Elizabeth Smith, Collin Merritt Smith, and Andrew Russell Natale; an older brother, Russell Yerby Smith (Joan Vaile) of Phippsburg ME; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Childs Smith of Morristown, NJ, and Hague, NY; in addition to several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William Chandler Smith. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Oxford, MD, on Saturday, July 16, 2016, at 12 pm. Inurnment of his ashes will be at a later date in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Williamsburg, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1850 York Road, Suite D, Timonium, MD 21093; NephCure Kidney International, 150 S. Warner Rd., Suite 402, King of Prussia, PA 19406; or Habitat for Humanity Choptank, 29350 Maple Ave., Trappe, MD 21673.

Cyrus Porter Smith

December 11, 1938 - June 30, 2016