[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 120 (Thursday, September 11, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9237-S9238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE ALBERT LEE SMITH, JR.

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today in honor of The 
Honorable Albert Lee Smith, Jr., who died at age 65 on August 12, 1997, 
from injuries suffered in a tragic fall at his home. Mr. Smith was a 
friend, dedicated husband and father. He served with distinction in the 
U.S. House of Representatives during the 96th Congress on behalf of the 
people of Alabama's Sixth District.
  Albert Lee Smith, Jr., grew up in Birmingham, AL and received his 
bachelor's degree from Auburn University. Always a leader, he served as 
an officer in the U.S. Navy, and was later awarded an honorary doctor 
of law degree from Samford University.
  In 1956, Mr. Smith joined the Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Co. in 
Birmingham. For the next 41 years, Mr. Smith had a distinguished career 
as a Chartered Life Underwriter. He served as president of the 
Birmingham Association of Life Underwriters and held several leadership 
positions in other professional organizations.
  Albert Lee Smith, Jr. was a true gentleman and conservative 
visionary. He was an extraordinary leader for the Alabama Republican 
Party. Active since 1962, Mr. Smith served as a

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pollwatcher, precinct captain and vicechairman of the county party. At 
the time of his untimely passing, he was serving as a vice-chairman of 
the Alabama Republican Executive Committee. Further, Mr. Smith was a 
delegate to the 1968, 1972, 1976, and 1984 Republican National 
Conventions.
  Driven by his desire to help Alabamians, Albert Lee Smith, Jr., ran 
for Congress to work for lower taxes and a smaller, more efficient 
government for the American people. Among the first in Congress to do 
so, Congressman Smith demonstrated concern for the strength of American 
families as the sponsor of the Family Protection Act. As a member of 
the House Budget Committee and the Committee on Veteran's Affairs, he 
supported tax cuts and a strong national defense.
  Albert Lee Smith, Jr., knew the importance of restoring America's 
financial and spiritual health for our children and grandchildren. For 
his dedicated service, Congressman Smith was honored by several 
important awards: The Taxpayers Best Friend Award from the National 
Taxpayers' Union; the Leadership Award from the American Security 
Council; and the Golden Bulldog Award from the Watchdog of the 
Treasury, among others.
  Congressman Smith was a public servant of the first order. The 
Alabama Republican Party nominated him as its candidate for the U.S. 
Senate in 1984. Following his departure from the House of 
Representatives, President Ronald Reagan named him in 1985 to the 
Federal Council on Aging, an appointment subsequently confirmed by the 
U.S. Senate.
  An exemplary citizen, leader and role model, Congressman Smith served 
as a board member of the Birmingham Campus Crusade for Christ and was a 
member of the Kiwanis Club and the Metropolitan Board of the YMCA. Mr. 
Smith served as a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Birmingham and 
was elected by the Southern Baptist Convention to the Baptist Joint 
Committee on Public Affairs. As a husband, father and friend, Albert 
Lee Smith, Jr., was a compassionate and thoughtful human being.
  My prayers go out to Albert's wife, Eunie Walldorf Smith, their 
children, Karen, Smith, Albert Smith, and Meg Wallace, and their family 
and friends. The Honorable Albert Lee Smith's lifelong dedication to 
community and country made our world a better place.

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