Macon Smith served 28 and 1/2 years in the United States Navy with the rank of Senior Chief. He was last stationed at NAS Miramar, CA. Class F-6 Fleet Reserve.
Macon served on the following US Navy Aircraft Carriers during the Vietnam War: USS Forrestal (CVA-59), USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) 6768 Cruise, Westpac ‘69. During his deployment on the USS Forrestal, a fire started under an A-4 aircraft and within minutes spread throughout the parked aircraft igniting fuel and bombs. The firefighting teams rushed to contain the fire and the ship. Hundreds of men worked to jettison bombs, rockets and aircraft fuel tanks to reduce danger to the ship. The fire on the flight deck was under control within an hour with the help of other vessels which were in the area.
After wartime, he served on USS Kitty Hawk Westpac ‘81. USS Ranger (CV-61) ‘76. USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) ‘83. USS Constellation (CV-64) Westpac ‘89.
After retiring from the USS Navy, Macon entered the private sector, having another aviation career with Northrop Grumman working with the US Air Force in their B2 division.
Macon is survived by his wife, Sammie Mae Smith; his son Jeff Smith (Lauri); his daughters Kamella Smith; Rochelle Smith; and Macina Smith; his sister Margaret Ann Purdy; his grandchildren Samantha Smith, Kareem Johnson, Jayden Smith and his great-grandchild LeShawn Johnson.
Macon was preceded in death by his mother Annie Mae Smith; his father Macon Smith II; and his sisters Barbara Hill; Lottie Smith and Betty Williams.
Macon will also be remembered by a host of nieces and nephews.
