House Concurrent Resolution 44

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND REMEMBERING THE DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE OF FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE AND FORMER STATE SENATOR, ROBERT H. "ROB" SMITH AND EXTENDING CONDOLENCES TO HIS BEREAVED FAMILY UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on December 16, 2017, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, former State Representative and former State Senator, Robert H. "Rob" Smith, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, born November 3, 1951, to C.E. and Jewel Smith of Richland, Mississippi, Senator Smith graduated from Florence High School, earned his bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University and further earned his master's degree in business administration from Mississippi College; and

WHEREAS, Senator Smith, being both a realtor and an accountant, owned a real estate business in Richland for 42 years and was also a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Richland; and

WHEREAS, being dedicated to his community, Senator Smith served as a member of many organizations, including the Eastern Star, the Jaycees, the Exchange Club, the Masons and the South Rankin Rotary Club of Jackson, where he served as founding member, President, and as the 6820 District Governor; moreover, Senator Smith was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, and was recently honored at the Rotary Club of Jackson as a Major Donor; and

WHEREAS, Senator Smith, having a love for music beginning at a young age, was led to form a band in high school called the Rebel Rousers, in which he was a singer, songwriter and drummer; and later on he wrote music for MBI and had many of his songs recorded, and he had the outstanding opportunity to be featured at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee; and later, while in Natchez, Mississippi, he helped form Natchez Record and Recording, Inc., but his passion for music was surpassed only by his passion for helping others; and

WHEREAS, dedicating his life to public service, Senator Smith was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1979 and served for four years, and in 1983, he was elected to the Mississippi Senate where he served District 35 for 20 years, and during his 24 years in the Legislature, Senator Smith greatly impacted both his community and the State of Mississippi with the numerous pieces of legislation he authored; and

WHEREAS, Senator Smith was 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; and he worked closely with former President Bill Clinton on impactful agricultural initiatives; additionally, Senator Smith was a tremendous advocate for veterans, firefighters and law enforcement officers, and he fervently believed in the importance of education and the promotion of the arts in the public school curriculum; and

WHEREAS, as a man of integrity, intellect and compassion, Senator Smith received many awards from his legislative peers and community throughout the years for his dedicated public service, with his motto being "Lord, let me help someone today"; but outside of his public service, Senator Smith's family was of the utmost importance to him, and his devotion, love and support was unwavering for his wife Pam, and two daughters, Tara and Karlie, who he said were his greatest accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, the legacy of Senator Smith's memory will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors, including his wife, Pam; his daughters, Tara (Trey) Clark and Karlie Smith; his stepchildren, Robin (Nathan) Renick, Suzanne (Lee) Walker, Karla (Joel) Sarmiento and Nate Anderson; his sisters, Judy Pitts and Becky Smith; his aunts, Nell (Jerald) Kennedy and Linda (Stan) Roberts; numerous grandchildren and many other nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved dearly; and

WHEREAS, Senator Smith leaves a lasting legacy not only in his hometown, but throughout the State of Mississippi, as his passion for helping build strong communities throughout his region of the state was unlike any other; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to mourn the loss and recognize the outstanding individual contributions of fine Mississippians, especially those such as Senator Robert H. "Rob" Smith, whose steadfast commitment to his family, his community and his state has brought great honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and many accomplishments of Senator Robert H. "Rob" Smith, and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Senator Robert H. "Rob" Smith, to the South Rankin Rotary Club and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.