Julius Smith

December 17, 1921 - June 2, 2020

Julius Smith, 98, a long time resident of Oregon City went home to be with Our Lord and Savior on June 2, 2020. The cause of death was a Cerebrovascular accident and he said “just wore out”. He was surrounded by his family and close friends in his final days and death. Julius was under hospice care and attended by a wonderful, dedicated medical team and other caring professionals. Julius is predeceased by his wife, Dorothy Irene Smith, and survived by his stepson Mark Moore (Recently of Orange Park, Florida and now Oregon City), Tiffany Moore and Aaron Smith of Gresham, Oregon. A simple family graveside service to be held on July 8, 2020 at Willamette National Cemetery where he will be buried beside his wife, Dorothy Born on December 17, 1921 in Portland, Oregon, Julius was adopted at birth. Living on a farm for most of his younger years, he developed a strong work ethic and always said he knew the value of a dollar. As WWll began in earnest, Julius enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served aboard the USS Philadelphia as a Steward Second Class until December 1945 with an Honorable Discharge. He began his civilian career with Francis Ford of Portland where he learned and honed his skills as an automobile body and paint professional. After retirement, he worked for a few years at the Portland International Airport in Passenger Transportation for American Airlines where he enjoyed both the work and people he met during his time there. He decided he wanted to be closer to home and worked Albertsons’ in Oregon City for a number of years and was chosen to represent his store in national competition in bagging customer’s groceries. Although he didn’t win, he loved the people and the friendly competition. As a Square Dancer with the River City Square Dancers in Portland for 52 years, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Moore, who was just learning to dance. They had a wonderful courtship and were married at St. James Episcopal Church in Tigard, Oregon in October 1973. They traveled in their “ill trailer” to a multitude of dances to include the International Event in Vancouver B.C. They both enjoyed others and made friends wherever they would go on trips. But their hometown group was their favorite and many long term friendships were made over the course of their 21 happy years together. Dorothy died in June 1994. As a widower, he continued to dance and became close friend and companion of fellow dancer Phyllis Baldwin until 2019 when she relocated to Montana to be closer to her family there. He did manage to fly there once last year to see her at her new residence. Dorothy, Julius, and Phyllis were long time members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church here in Oregon City. Julius volunteered his time and services to the church for many years. Again, so many friends and church family were cherished there by all three of them. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the local Children’s Make-A-Wish Foundation