[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 11, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING J. SMITH LANIER II

 Mr. SESSIIONS. Madam President. I would like to take a moment 
to recognize the passing of a great American patriot, J. Smith Lanier 
II. Smith Lanier was an entrepreneur, business leader, philanthropist, 
community leader, national leader, and friend.
  He was a native of Georgia, attended Auburn University then 
transferred to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy where he earned a 
degree in mechanical engineering and a commission into the U.S. Navy.
  In 1950, he joined his aunt's insurance agency, Lanier Insurance 
Agency, based in West Point, GA. His career was interrupted by 2 years 
of active duty aboard the USS Ault DD698 during the Korean war. When he 
returned from that service, he purchased the agency under the name J. 
Smith Lanier & Co. He began with a single office and five employees and 
grew to have offices throughout Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, 
and Kentucky. Today the company is one of the oldest and largest 
insurance brokerage firms in the United States. He served as its 
chairman and CEO until 1998 and was chairman emeritus until his death.
  During his life, he helped launch many other companies including 
Async, Inc.; SouthernNet; Interface, Inc., NASDAQ; Valley Realty 
Company, Inc.; ITC Holding Co., Inc.; Avdata, Inc.; National Vision 
Associates, Inc.; Cookbook Brands, Inc., now Beverage House; Powertel, 
Inc., formerly Intercel, Inc. and now TMobile; and ITC DeltaCom, 
NASDAQ. A remarkably successful entrepreneurial career indeed.
  He was a strong advocate for education at all levels, both public and 
private, founding Springwood School in Lanett, AL and serving on the 
boards of trustees of several colleges and universities. He was a 
strong advocate for fair treatment for hospitals in the area, an issue 
that I worked with him to address.
  Mr. Lanier was very close to Auburn University. He served on many 
boards for the university and in 2010 was presented the Auburn 
University Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award.
  Smith was also active in local, regional and national politics 
serving the Republican Party in many ways, including being a delegate 
to two Republican National Conventions. He was always a strong 
supporter of policies that he believed served the long term interests 
of the United States.
  Smith Lanier was, in the end, what he prepared to become in the 
beginning. An Eagle Scout, he credited the Boy Scout Oath and the 
twelve Boy Scout laws as foundations for his personal and business 
life.
  Mr. Lanier leaves behind his wonderful wife, Elizabeth ``Betty'' 
Walker, daughters Mary Ellen (Mrs. Anthony Lee Collins, Sr.) of Lanett, 
AL, Elizabeth Lanier Lester of West Point, GA, and Edith Carroll (Mrs. 
Joseph Wiley Hodges, Jr.) of McDonough, GA, eight grandchildren, as 
well many other family members, friends and colleagues. They have been 
given a great legacy indeed.
  Smith Lanier was a great patriot reflecting the highest and best 
values of American citizenship, and I am honored to be able to pay 
tribute to his many contributions to business, education, health, and 
his community.

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