[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF VANCE C. SMITH, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MAC COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 8, 1999

  Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a Georgia legend whose 
eighty year life encompassed all that it means to live the American 
dream. Vance C. Smith, Sr., born December 31, 1918, in Harris County, 
Georgia, to the late Shurley Sivell and Sallie Irvin Smith, will long 
be remembered for his devotion to family, community, and country.
  On June 20, 1940, Mr. Smith married Reba Gray Simmons. In September 
1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served with distinction until 
December 1945. During eighteen months on a Land Carrier Infantry boat 
in the Pacific, Mr. Smith was one of a handful to survive a Japanese 
suicide boat attack.
  After World War II, Mr. Smith worked in the grocery business for four 
years, but then focused on his favorite business--the construction 
business. In 1951, Mr. Smith borrowed money to purchase a bulldozer, 
and the Vance Smith Construction Company was born. Over forty years 
later, the next generation of Smiths is still leading the family 
business.
  Beyond the energy that went into maintaining a thriving business, Mr. 
Smith devoted much of his time to the community and helping others. He 
was a member and deacon of Pine Mountain First Baptist Church, a member 
of the Pine Mountain Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Harris 
County Lion's Club. At one time he had not missed a Lion's Club meeting 
for a 25 year stretch. Mr. Smith was also a member of Chipley Lodge #40 
F&AM, a past master, and a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.
  Mr. Smith's community service also extended to political service. He 
served as a Harris County Commissioner from 1963 until 1966, at one 
time serving as chairman. In 1962, Mr. Smith was elected to the Pine 
Mountain Town Council, and served there for 33 years until his 1995 
retirement.
  Survived by his wife; daughter and son-in-law; son and daughter-in-
law; five grandchildren; three sisters; and one brother, Vance Smith, 
Sr. fulfilled the life we all strive to live. Mr. Smith was successful 
in business, but his most meaningful contributions were those to his 
family and community. Mr. Smith's passing is a great loss to all, but 
his accomplishments and contributions will continue to be a blessing to 
those fortunate enough to have been touched by his life.

                          ____________________