NORTH YARMOUTH — Norman L. Smith, 93, a lifelong resident of the town who traced his roots to its original settlers and even to the Mayflower, died Oct. 9.

He was born in North Yarmouth on July 21, 1921, the son of Lester F. and Mildred Leighton Smith. Smith graduated in 1939 from Greely Institute. He then went to work with his father, Lester, and brother, Sidney, operating a successful poultry business for over 30 years.

He married Anna Shirley Meserve, of Scarborough, on June 18, 1944, the day he always referred to as “the best day of his life.” Together, the couple built a house in North Yarmouth in 1946 and lived there nearly 70 years.

During World War II, Smith served with the U.S. Army in the Pacific, and was selected as a member of the honor guard for Gen. Douglas MacArthur. After Japan was occupied, he helped protect MacArthur’s residence and the U.S. Embassy. His time in the Honor Guard created lifelong friendships, which Smith and his wife enjoyed at reunions for many years, including the final reunion in 2011.

After his discharge and return to the United States, Smith joined his family in service to the town. He helped build the Wescustago Grange Hall, served on the North Yarmouth School Fund Board, read meters for the Water District, and became a life member of the North Yarmouth Fire Co.

Smith also served as a selectman, and always had something to say at Town Meeting. He served as North Yarmouth’s first town clerk with regular office hours, hand-delivering many town reports to save postage, and often calling residents to remind them of expiring automobile registrations.

In honor of their lifelong service, Norman Smith and his late brother Don were recognized as North Yarmouth Citizens of the Year in 2010.

Norman loved watching sports, and attended many Greely basketball and baseball games, especially at “tourney time.” He was also an avid Red Sox fan, and took up golf in the 1960s after his sons started playing. Smith was one of the original stockholders at Val Halla, and remained a member there for over 40 years. He was a member of many Twilight League championship teams, but his favorite golfing moments were with his sons and grandsons.

Smith also enjoyed playing cribbage and cards with friends, as well as gardening. He was known for raising gladiolas, his mother’s favorite flower.

In addition to his parents, Smith was predeceased by his brothers, Harold, Sidney and Donald, and sisters, Nellie Leighton and Marjorie Leighton.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Anna; twin sons, Norman Lester Smith and wife, Donna, and Nelson Leighton Smith and wife, Candace, all of North Yarmouth; grandchildren Kent and wife, Alexandra, Andrew and wife, Anne, Craig and wife, Heidi, and Christa and husband, Lloyd; and great-grandchildren Madison, Cayden, Sophie, Kendall, Avery, Anderson, Gracin, Norman, Hope and Laci. Also surviving are two sisters, Barbara Parker, of North Yarmouth, and Arline Calvert, of Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

Smith’s family wishes to thank the staff of Coastal Manor and of Beacon Hospice for their countless acts of kindness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the North Yarmouth School Fund, c/o Earle Edwards, North Yarmouth Town Office, 10 Village Square Road, North Yarmouth, ME 04097.

Interment arrangements were to be announced.

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