Charles Marshall Cramer

Charles Marshall Cramer January 12, 1941 – May 9, 2026. If you spent any time in Smithville, chances are you knew Marshall Cramer. And if you knew Marshall, you probably walked away with a story or maybe a knick knack you did not know you needed.

Charles Marshall Cramer was born in Tuckerton, New Jersey, to Wolbert T. Cramer and Bella Marshall Cramer. He is predeceased by his parents; sister, Ethel; and brother, Jack. Raised in South Jersey, Marshall grew up surrounded by the things he would love for the rest of his life: engines, folklore, antiques, racing, and people.

He attended Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, and from an early age it was clear Marshall had an entrepreneurial spirit. His first job was selling matchbooks door-to-door, which turned out to be perfect training for what he did best for the next eight decades: talking to everyone.

He was married to Vivian Tracy for 47 years. Together, they shared a love of antiques, projects, New England road trips, and a home filled with collections and creativity. One of their favorite times of year was Christmas. They filled their home with three separate themed Christmas trees because one was just not enough to capture the season.

Marshall was a proud father to John Cramer and daughter-in-law, Heather of Fairfield, Connecticut, and to his daughter, Tracy Cramer of Norwalk, Connecticut. Nothing brought him more joy than being “Grandpop” to his grandson Lincoln. Whether they were talking about fishing, boats, trucks, cars, or some brand-new fascination, Marshall loved it. Marshall even started an annual tradition of exchanging nutcrackers with Lincoln at Christmas, teaching his grandson how to be a collector just like him.

Marshall worked for Atlantic City Electric Company while feeding his lifelong fascination with cars and engines by opening Bayshore Speed Shop in Absecon, New Jersey. Eventually, antiques began taking over more and more of the Speed Shop until Marshall finally accepted what everyone else probably already knew, he was meant to be in the antique business.

In 1983, he opened Country Folk in Smithville, New Jersey, a store that became as much a landmark as the man himself. Marshall worked there until 2024, officially retiring at 83 years old, though “retired” is a generous term for someone who still spent most days selling custom Jersey Devil t-shirts, talking to friends and neighbors, going to car and boat shows, or hunting for something unusual to bring home.

Country Folk was part antique store, part museum, part curiosity shop, and part Marshall’s stage. The store overflowed with vintage treasures, oddities, and especially anything connected to the legend of the Jersey Devil, a story Marshall loved so much he proudly acquired the copyright to Jersey Devil artwork.

Marshall traveled weekly to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to restock Country Folk, collecting friendships almost as quickly as he collected antiques. No matter where he went, someone always seemed to know Marshall or become his friend within five minutes.

Boats and racing remained another lifelong passion. Alongside his brother, Jack Cramer, Marshall raced the boats that Jack built. Together they became part of the Garvey racing world, where their boat, the Jersey Bounce G-16, earned its own place in local history. Marshall and Jack are recognized for their contributions at the Tuckerton Seaport Museum.

Marshall loved cars with the enthusiasm of someone who never lost the thrill of horsepower. After retirement, his Dodge Challenger R/T became one of his greatest joys. He loved taking it to car shows, talking with fellow enthusiasts, and making new friends wherever he parked it.

Marshall proudly served in the 177th Air National Guard and was proud to attend local veteran's breakfasts, where he was thrilled to meet and share stories with his peers.

Marshall cared deeply for the many cats that wandered through his life over the years, including Oprah, Elvis, Harley, and Trixie.

A memorial gathering will be 10AM to 11AM on May 21, 2026, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Parsels Funeral Home, 324 New Jersey Ave., Absecon.

For condolences, please visit www.parselsfh.com