Georgia lost one of its veteran lawmakers this week as State Rep. Richard Smith, chairman of the influential House Rules Committee, died following flu complications at age 78. Smith, who represented Columbus and was a Republican, died at his home before dawn Tuesday, leaving a legacy of commitment to public service and earning cross-aisle respect during his extensive political career.
First elected to the Georgia House in 2004, Smith was serving his 10th term at the time of his death he had also held the chair of the House Insurance Committee from 2011 to 2020 before being appointed as chairman of the House Rules Committee, this key position gave Smith control over the fate of legislation considered by the full House, according to the AP News.
Described by House Speaker Jon Burns as "larger than life, incredibly kind, generous, wise, supportive, exceedingly loyal," In his honor, a black drape adorned Smith's desk in the 180-member chamber, and a hush fell over the usually bustling room as committees canceled meetings out of respect. Governor Brian Kemp, alongside his wife Marty, made an unscheduled appearance to join in mourning the loss, Fox 5 Atlanta reports.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens highlighted "The respect he held on both sides of the aisle is a rare currency in governing these days, and while we may not have seen eye to eye on every issue, his leadership and steady temperament will be missed," a sentiment echoed by other officials from across the state, including Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr who called Smith a devoted public servant in a statement obtained by Fox 5 Atlanta.
