Georgia Rep. Richard Smith, who led the powerful House Rules Committee that sets the agenda for votes in the state House, has died at age 78 after fighting the flu.
Smith, a Republican from Columbus, was known for his even-handed leadership as a close ally to both current House Speaker Jon Burns and his predecessor, House Speaker David Ralston.
Gov. Brian Kemp remembered Smith as a friend and dedicated representative for his community during a speech Tuesday to teary-eyed legislators in the state House.
“There were times when he was standing with me when others were not, but it didn’t bother him. He just did what he thought was right,” Kemp said. “He was making our state better. He did that for a long time, and his legacy will continue to do that in the future.”
Burns told House members Tuesday that Smith died overnight.
“When he told you, ‘I got your back,’ you could look forward because you were not worried about your back,” Burns, a Republican from Newington, said in the House.
Credit: Photo contributed by the candidate
Credit: Photo contributed by the candidate
“That’s the kind of man he was, the kind of person he was ― in many ways to me, larger than life,” Burns said.
Smith had been in charge of the Rules Committee since the 2020 legislative session and was first elected to the House in 2004.
“He’s one of those who deserves a statue in his honor — and would have been repulsed at such a thought,” said Kaleb McMichen, a former spokesman for Burns and Ralston.
Credit: Ben@bengray.com
Credit: Ben@bengray.com
Democrats joined their Republican colleagues in expressing condolences for Smith.
“Words cannot begin to express my sorrow for his family, for his friends and for the House,” said House Minority Leader James Beverly, a Democrat from Macon. “My prayers are with the Smith family as they mourn the loss of their beloved family member.”
Former Rules Chairman Calvin Smyre, a Democrat who retired from the House after 48 years in office, said Smith will be greatly missed by the Columbus community.
“He was a steady hand and trusted colleague for me over many years. We shared a great friendship,” said Smyre, who also represented the Columbus area. “He will be dearly missed in the Columbus community, the General Assembly and the state of Georgia.”
Smith left Georgia better off because of his many years of service in elected office, House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones said.
“I’m grieving the loss of my friend, who was a fierce champion for children, soldiers, first responders and those in need,” said Jones, a Republican from Milton.
State Sen. Randy Robertson, a Republican from Cataula, said Smith was the best man at his wedding and a fellow parishioner at his church.
“He had a kind heart. He was an incredible grandfather and husband. He was no one’s puppet. He ran the Rules Committee the way it should be run,” Robertson said. “There are examples we can follow that make us better human beings. Richard was one of those examples.”
Three Rules chairmen have died in office in recent years: Smith, state Rep. Jay Powell in 2019 and state Rep. John Meadows in 2018.
Smith previously served as chairman of the House Insurance Committee, and he was a member of the Columbus City Council before he was elected to the House 20 years ago.
— Staff writers Michelle Baruchman, Greg Bluestein and Maya T. Prabhu contributed to this article.
