Obituaries

William R. Smith
OCEAN CITY — William R. Smith, 62, died Tuesday, July 19, 2001 at his home in Ocean City.

Born in Shenandoah, Pa., he was the son of the late Isabel and Donald Smith. He is survived by his brothers, Gene and Don; sister, Joyce; two cockatiels; and his favorite dog, Shadow.

Bill was a high school graduate at Shenandoah Public High School and served in the Air Force from 1969 to 1973 as an Administrative Specialist Radio Operator in Vietnam. His recent employment until his illness was at Phillips Beach Plaza, now Beach Plaza Hotel in Ocean City from 2000 to November 2010 as assistant general manager.

Bill enjoyed all his Ocean City friends, watching football and traveling to New York City during the holiday season to see Broadway shows.

A memorial service for Bill will be held in the near future. Contributions in Bill’s name can be made to Coastal Hospice, 224 Phillip Morris Drive, Salisbury, Md. 21801.

Diana Lynn Martin

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Diana Lynn Martin of West Palm Beach, Fla. and formerly of Ocean City, died suddenly at her home on Friday, July 15.

She was born on Oct. 9, 1957 in Sandusky, Ohio to Howard and Rubie Martin. She graduated from Glen Burnie High School in 1976. In 1983, she moved to Ocean City where she worked in the family’s 7-Eleven store. In 1995, she moved to West Palm Beach, Fla. In 2001, she began working for the US Postal Service where she worked until the time of her death.

Diana was very outgoing and loved life. She cherished her family and friends. She loved children and enjoyed spoiling them. She loved her home in West Palm Beach and was known to always open her home to family and friends to visit. She enjoyed traveling with her special friend, Dan, to Corvette shows in Florida and Ocean City. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and traveling.

In addition to her parents, Diana is survived by her special friend, Dan Balsley: her brothers and sister, Wendell (Mary) Martin, Lloyd (Monica) Martin, Janet Biggs (Mark); three special nephews, Christopher, Matthew, and Steven: special friends Susan and Mike, Dawn and Donald, Linda, Roxanne and Dave, Nancy and Gabe, Jean and Brian, Paul and Donna and Abby; and many more family and friends who will miss her outgoing personality and love for life.

Services were held.
Edison G. Updike

BERLIN — Edison “Ed” G. Updike, a resident of Heritage Harbor the past three years and Berlin for 27 years previously, died July 21 at University of Md. Shock Trauma Hospital due to complications from a fall.

He was born on Sept. 28, 1925 in Washington DC to the late Shirley and Blanche Updike.

Mr. Updike graduated from Eastern High School in 1943, attending summer school so he could receive his diploma early and enlist in the Navy at the age of 17. He was the flag master on the USS Hawkbill from 1943 to 1946. He was more than proud of serving his country, always ready to share personal stories, books, pictures and letters from his WWII experiences.

Mr. Updike was a career linesman cable splicer for C& P Telephone company retiring in 1984. In his last years, he was dedicated to taking care of his wife and fostering his friendships of the last 50-70 years longevity.

Ed lived life to the fullest as evidenced by his many active memberships such as the Telephone Pioneers, US Submarine Veterans of WWII, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ocean City Shrine Club, and Pittman Masonic Club. He also continued to meet with the Boosters Club of Eastern High School for 70 years up until the month before his death.

His hobbies included vegetable gardening, being on the water and fishing. Last but not least he was a loyal and avid Redskins fan.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ruth Updike; his son, Wayne Updike of Arnold; his sister, Elanor Miller of California; his grandchildren, Dawn Norris of Vermont and Brittany, Adam and Natalie Updike, all of the Washington DC area; and his great grandchildren, Dawson and Preston Norris of Vermont.

On Aug. 19, 2011 at noon, there will be a celebration of his life at the American Legion Post 7, 1905 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis to include lunch and sharing of memories and stories.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to UMMS Foundation/Shock Trauma 110 S. Paca Street, 9th floor Baltimore, Md. 21201. For online condolences please visit www.stallingsfh.com