DANVERS: Augustus J. “Gus” Smith, 51, died December 23, 2008 at the Harborside Twin Oaks Nursing Home following a long battle with cancer.
Born in Beverly on January 30, 1957, he was the son of Myrtle C. (Day) Smith of Beverly, formerly of Essex, and the late Joseph S. Smith. He had resided in Wakefield for the past ten years.
An active member of the Boston Church of Christ, Gus had a deeply rooted faith in God, which sustained him throughout his adult life and through his illness. Gus had a joyful spirit and a positive outlook on life that inspired all who knew him. He always saw the glass as half full rather than half empty.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Paula M. (Smith) and James Stephens of South Hamilton, a brother and sister-in-law, Dana J. and Pon Smith of Biloxi, MS, six nieces and nephews, Daniel Stephens, Emily Brown, Amanda Stephens, Jessica Stephens, Danny Smith and Carrol Quave, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends in his church community.
His funeral service will be held on Friday, January 9th at the First Church in Wenham, One Arbor Street, Wenham, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Seven Hills Foundation, c/o Bill Stock, 81 Hope Ave., Worcester, MA 01603 or www.sevenhills.org. Interment will be privately held in the Spring Street Cemetery, Essex.