Vernon Smart

Vernon Holmes Smart Sr. - RICHMOND HILL - Vernon Holmes Smart Sr., died January 7, 2016 at home surrounded by loved ones (after a short bout with cancer). He was born on February 17, 1928 in Bacon County, Georgia. He graduated from Blackshear High School. He entered the United States Navy at age 16 in 1944. He served on the USS Talita during World War II. He traversed the majority of the South West Pacific and participated in the liberation of the Philippine Islands. In 1946, he served on the USS Tolland. He was discharged later in 1946 and served in the Naval Reserve for 4 years. During the Korean Conflict, he re-enlisted and served on the USS Mount Olympus. After discharge, Vernon worked at American Cyanamid in Savannah, Georgia and served for 13 years as financial secretary for the International Association of Machinists (IA of M). He was also President of District 96 of the IA of M for the state of Georgia for 1 year. He retired from American Cyanamid in 1983. Vernon joined the Masonic Order in 1958 and received his 50 year apron in 2008. He was a Scottish Rite 32nd Degree Mason at #303 in Richmond Hill, Georgia. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 135. He served as Senior Vice Commander and also 1st Junior Vice Commander of the first district of Georgia in the American Legion. Vernon was also a member of the Order of Elks for many years. He was predeceased by Family in Bacon County, Georgia and by a son, Vernon H. Smart Jr. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Connie Smart and by a daughter Tammy (with husband Frank) Simmons. Grandchildren: Dee Dean, Tanner Simmons, Matthew Kirk, Cody Simmons and Tori Simmons and by eight great grandchildren. Also survived by sister-in-law Irma Larrimore and daughters-in-law, Amy Kirk and Penny Bach, as well as many nephews and nieces. He was happiest fishing in the Ogeechee River with his father in law, dancing with his wife to their favorite song - Mustang Sally, holding a grandchild and talking about the United States Navy. Visitation will be 6:00- 7:00 pm Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at Carter Funeral Home Bryan Chapel and a memorial service will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Savannah. Online condolences may be made at www.carterbryanchapel. com Carter Funeral Home Bryan Chapel Savannah Morning News January 10, 2016 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannnahnow.com/obituaries.