William M. Smallwood, Sr., 80, of Fitzgerald, Georgia died Sunday, April16, 2006 at Dorminy Medical Center.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Kelly Brown officiating. The family will receive friends from 7-9 Tuesday evening at the funeral home.
Mr. Smallwood was born July 15, 1925 in Douglasville, GA to the late Olen and Grace Herrod Smallwood. He was a 1943 graduate of Douglas County High School and a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army. He had lived in the community since 1978 coming from Jacksonville, FL. Mr. Smallwood was a retired airline captain having flown for 32 consecutive years with Southern Airlines, National Airlines, and Pan American Airlines. He was a charter member of the Civil Air Patrol in Jacksonville and flew the inaugural flight into the new Jacksonville International Airport. While flying with National Airlines, he was the youngest pilot ever to attain the rank of captain.
Mr. Smallwood was past chairman of Coastal Plains EOA, a member of Quiet Birdman of Jacksonville, a Mason and Shriner, and a former member of the Fitzgerald Rotary Club. He had served on the Ben Hill County Hospital Authority for 14 years and was currently serving as Secretary-Treasurer. He was a charter member of the Fitzgerald Country Club and a member of First Baptist Church. His hobby was rebuilding old airplanes.
Mr. Smallwood is survived by his wife: Mattie L. Smallwood of Fitzgerald; son and daughter-in-law: William M. & Rhonda Smallwood of Fitzgerald; daughter and son-in-law: Lisa S. & Donnie Catrabone of Statesboro, GA; three grandchildren: Ashley & Wesley Smallwood of Fitzgerald and Bailey Catrabone of Statesboro; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.