Macon Strother Smith

Macon Strother Smith of Raleigh, died at his home on October 10, 2008.
Born in Raleigh on February 24, 1919, he was the son of the late Junious Walter and Mary Macon Smith. He was preceded in death by his brother, Junius Haywood Smith. Macon graduated from Hugh Morson High School and from North Carolina State University with a degree in architectural engineering in May, 1941.
Macon received a commission from the Navy on May 26, 1941, and a certificate from the Naval Aeronautical Engineering School at New York University in September, 1941. He served onactive duty in the U.S. Navy during World War II until retiring in 1945, with the rank of Lieut. Commander.
An architect, Macon retired Vice President of the firm of F. Carter Williams Architects. He was active in his profession. He was a part-time instructor in the School of Design in 1957 and 1958, and served as Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the North Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He was Treasurer of the N.C. Architectural Foundation in 1963, when the Foundation was established. He was the Foundation's President for the years 1968-1971, during which time scholarships and fellowships were awarded for the first time in the Foundation's history.
He was invested into the AIA College of Fellows in 1972, at Houston, TX. Soon afterwards he was appointed to serve on the AIA College of Fellows selection committee for the years 1973, 1974, and as chairman for the year 1975. He was the first North Carolinian ever to chair the College of Fellows selection committee. After his retirement he was a member to a task force instrumental in the publication of an award-winning historical chronology of the AIA North Carolina Chapter.
In 2001, he was the recipient of the Chapter's William Henry Deitrick Medal in recognition of his 52 years of service to AIA North Carolina. In 2006, he received the Gold Medal Award, the highest honor presented by the Chapter to a member of AIA North Carolina. This was in recognition of his distinguished career of extraordinary accomplishments as an architect.
Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Jeanette Williams Smith; son, Stephen W. Smith and wife, Debra; daughter, Patricia Smith Hoover and husband, Paul Hoover III; grandchildren, Alston Hoover Hayes and husband, William Hayes, Paul Hoover IV and wife, Sally, and Macon Smith II; great-grandson, Wilson Hayes; sister-in-law, Cara Lee Smith; one nephew, and three great nieces.
Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2008 at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue; Art Ross, Pastor of White Memorial Presbyterian Church, officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
The family would like to especially thank Heartland Hospice and Comforcare Senior Services for their loving care and support.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice, or White Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements by Brown Wynne Funeral Home and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownwynne.com