Stuart Smith

Stuart W. Smith, 73, of Crystal River, FL passed away July 3, 2017 at his home under the loving care of his wife.  Stuart was born on September 25, 1943 in Baltimore, MD, son of Carol Way Smith and Edward Joseph Smith.  Stu graduated from Florida Southern College, where he had been President of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (Florida Gamma Chapter) fraternity. During his career, Stu had been an editor/writer at Martin Company in Orlando, FL; Coordinator of Community Development for the City of St. Petersburg, FL; Director of Operations for Florida’s Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg; Managing Director of the Salvador Dali Foundation, Inc., in St. Petersburg, Florida; and a realtor with Coldwell-Banker in Easton, Maryland. He had served as president of the Suncoast Attractions Association; chairman of the St. Petersburg Tourism Advisory Committee; vice-president of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce (he was chosen Man of the Year in 1984); chairman of the Florida Hospitality Industry Council, and a director of the Pinellas County, FL Arts Council.  He had also been a member of Suncoasters of St. Petersburg, the University Club, the Squires Club, the Exchange Club of Northeast St. Petersburg, and Ducks Unlimited. In 1986, Stu and his wife moved to Oxford, Maryland, where they resided for 20 years, and where Stu enjoyed hunting and fishing with many wonderful friends, as well as serving as a volunteer for the annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland.   He and Judy moved back to Florida in 2006.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy Smith of Crystal River, FL;

A private memorial service will take place in Oxford, MD in the fall, when Stu’s ashes will be scattered with those of his beloved hunting dog, Agatha. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast, 3280 W. Audubon Park Path, Lecanto, Florida, 34461, phone 352-527-2348. Heinz Funeral Home & Cremation, Inverness, FL, heinzfh.com.