[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 129 (Thursday, September 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       HONORING MR. HAWLEY SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PHIL GINGREY

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 2010

  Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a 
long-time friend, Mr. V. Hawley Smith who is celebrating his ninetieth 
birthday this month in La Grange, Georgia. For as long as I have known 
him, Mr. Smith has been tirelessly devoted to his community, church, 
and family.
  Throughout the years, he has served Troup County in many different 
positions, and I'd like to mention a few that I know are most important 
to him. Mr. Smith was the first elected Chairman of the Troup County 
Board of Commissioners, and he remained in that position for twelve 
years. He helped to shape many other organizations like The Georgia 
Heart Clinic, West Georgia Tech Foundation, Troup County Chapter of the 
American Red Cross, and West Georgia Youth Council--just to name a few. 
Notably, Mr. Smith is the longest continuous member of the Optimist 
Club in the State of Georgia, and he is still active today. He also 
served as President of the Association of County Commissioners of 
Georgia, Chairman of the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority, 
Vice-Chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and Vice President of 
the Citizens and Southern National Bank. The list of leadership 
positions is nearly a page long, which is a testament to how much Mr. 
Smith cares for his community.
  He has likewise given countless hours to First United Methodist 
Church of LaGrange--where he was as a member of the Building Committee, 
the Board of Stewards and served as the Treasurer and Trustee. His 
kindness and willingness to help others also led him to become the 
Director of The Harbor Incorporated, a home for the Christian 
rehabilitation of alcoholics.
  He was married to Ercil Trussell Smith for fifty-four years until her 
death in 1996. They have three children, seven grandchildren, and eight 
great grandchildren, all of whom he is extremely proud. A constant 
family man, Mr. Smith has always tried to provide the best educational 
environment for his children, whether that meant serving as the 
Neighborhood Commissioner for the Boy Scouts or working on the Board of 
Trustees for Rosemont Elementary School.
  Madam Speaker, as you can see, Mr. Smith is a compassionate and 
selfless father, husband, and community member. I want to wish him a 
very happy ninetieth birthday and thank him for his unwavering service 
to both Troup County and the great State of Georgia.

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