MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2018 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Frazier, Kirby, Norwood, Gollott, Burton, Barnett, Blackmon, Blackwell, Blount, Branning, Browning, Bryan, Butler, Carmichael, Carter, Caughman, Chassaniol, Clarke, Dawkins, DeBar, Dearing, Doty, Fillingane, Harkins, Hill, Hopson, Horhn, Hudson, Jackson (11th), Jackson (15th), Jackson (32nd), Jolly, Jordan, Massey, McDaniel, McMahan, Michel, Moran, Parker, Parks, Polk, Seymour, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th), Tollison, Turner-Ford, Watson, Whaley, Wiggins, Wilemon, Witherspoon, Younger
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND REMEMBERING THE DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE OF FORMER STATE SENATOR AND FORMER REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT H. "ROB" SMITH AND EXTENDING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE LEGISLATURE TO HIS BEREAVED FAMILY.
WHEREAS, our hearts are saddened by the passing of a dedicated Mississippi public servant, former State Senator and State Representative Robert H. "Rob" Smith of Florence, Mississippi, who passed away on December 16, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Senator Smith was born on November 3, 1951, to C.E. and Jewel Smith of Richland. He graduated from Florence High School in 1969. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Mississippi State University and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Mississippi College. Rob was a Realtor and an Accountant, and owned his real estate business located in Richland for 42 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Richland. Mr. Smith loved his community and served in many capacities. He was a member of the Eastern Star, Jaycees, Exchange Club and was proud to be a Mason. He was very active in Rotary, serving as a founding member of the South Rankin Rotary Club and its President. Mr. Smith also served as the Rotary 6820 District Governor. He was a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow and recently honored at the Rotary Club of Jackson as a Major Donor; and
WHEREAS, his love for music lead to forming a band in high school called the Rebel Rousers. He was a Singer, Songwriter and Drummer. He wrote music for MBI and recorded many of his songs. He played at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. While in Natchez, Mississippi, he helped form Natchez Record and Recording, Inc. His passion for music was surpassed only by his passion for helping others; and
WHEREAS, Rob dedicated his life to public service. In 1979, he was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives and served four years. In 1983, he was elected to the Mississippi State Senate and served District 35 for 20 years. Over 24 years he authored numerous pieces of legislation that greatly impacted his community and state. He was very proud to author the bill that gave Purple Heart recipients a free car tag, as his father proudly served in World War II and was a Purple Heart recipient. He worked closely with former President Bill Clinton on impactful agricultural initiatives. He was an advocate for veterans, firefighters and law enforcement communities. He believed in public education and promoted the arts in public school curriculum; and
WHEREAS, Rob was a man of integrity, intellect and compassion. He received many awards from his legislative peers and community throughout the years for his dedicated public service. He truly exemplified the notion of "service above self." His motto was "Lord, let me help someone today." He believed his greatest accomplishments were raising two daughters, Tara and Karlie, and marrying his wife, Pam; and
WHEREAS, he was predeceased by his parents, C.E. and Jewel Smith, and his father-in-law, Dan Stewart of Florence. He is survived by his wife, Pam; daughters, Tara (Trey) Clark and Karlie Smith; grandchildren, Adda Laine Pattie, Caroline and Olivia Clark; brothers, Sidney (Becky) Smith and Joe (Jonce') Smith; sisters, Judy Pitts and Becky Smith; aunts, Nell (Jerald) Kennedy and Linda (Stan) Roberts; and many other nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved dearly. He loved his stepchildren, Robin (Nathan) Renick, Suzanne (Lee) Walker, Karla (Joel) Sarmiento and Nate Anderson, as well as 15 grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Rob Smith leaves a lasting legacy not only in his hometown but throughout all Mississippi. His passion for helping build community throughout his region of the state was unlike any other. He will truly be missed:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend his life and remember the dedicated public service of Rob Smith, who departed this life on December 16, 2017, and express to his surviving family the sympathy of the Legislature on his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Rob Smith, be forwarded to the South Rankin Rotary Club, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.