Norman Benard Smaha

Macon-Norman Benard Smaha of 2107 General Winship Drive, Macon, GA, a retired local merchant, died Wednesday evening at his residence. Mr. Smaha was 93 years old. Born July 17, 1915 in Griffin, GA, he was the youngest son of eleven children born to Bolis and Hondomie Smaha of Griffin, GA. A graduate from Griffin High School, he entered his parents' restaurant business in Griffin, GA. Mr. Smaha married Marie Veronica Maloof of Atlanta in 1940. He served in the United States Air Force for four years during World War II. He came to Macon, GA in 1945. He was a gentle, extraordinarily charitable man. A beloved husband of 60 years, father, grandfather, and great grandfather with his kind and gentle ways he brought sunshine, joy, and laughter to his family and all who knew him. His family and work were his life's devotion. Mr. Smaha was a dedicated member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and a Life member of the following organizations: American Legion Post 3, Forty and Eight honor society of the American Legion, V.F.W., Catholic Knights of Columbus 4th degree council 925, Macon Legion of the Moose, and the Macon Moose Lodge No. 1455. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter. Mr. Smaha is survived by his two sons, Dr. Charles Norman Smaha and Dr. Jerry Joseph Smaha, both of Macon; his eight grandchildren, Yvonne Shaughnessey, Lisa Phillips, Dr. Ched Smaha, Alison Mitchell, Richa Perrin, Debra Edalgo, Diana Smaha, Kelly Ann Smaha; seven great grandchildren, Destiny Phillips, Alexis Shaughnessey, Gabrielle Phillips, Chandler Mitchell, Elizabeth Mitchell, Kyle Shaughnessey, and Kelly Perrin; his sisters, Lucille Shalhoub of Burbank, CA, Mary George of Birmingham, AL, Katherine Bonds of Birmingham, AL and the late Pheado Union of Macon. A rosary will be held Friday evening at 6:00PM at Hart's Mortuary, 765 Cherry St, Macon, GA. Funeral services for Mr. Smaha will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Macon, GA with burial following in Riverside Cemetery (where he will be buried next to his beloved wife). Flowers are appreciated but those so desiring may contribute to the St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905 or St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Poplar Street, Macon, GA in memory of Mr. Smaha. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory has charge of arrangements.