[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1217-E1218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA'S BELOVED JAMES C. 
                             ``BUCK'' SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2015

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and 
legacy of Northwest Florida's beloved James C. ``Buck'' Smith, who 
passed away peacefully in his home after a long battle with Alzheimer's 
on August 11, 2015. A longtime resident of Fort Walton Beach and former 
City Councilman, Buck had a deep love for his family and community, and 
his contributions, especially the impact on youth in the area, will be 
remembered.
   Born on January 7, 1936 in Columbus, Georgia to Red and Myrtis 
Clements Smith, Buck and his siblings moved to Florida's Gulf Coast 
following his mother's passing. Buck, who had a love for sports, which 
remained with him throughout his life, played football at 
Choctawhatchee High School, where he graduated Class of 1955, as well 
as played at Holmes Junior College in Mississippi.
   Upon his return home to Fort Walton Beach, Buck became an active 
member of the community. As a small businessman, Buck started Smith's 
Plumbing, Randall's Nursery, and Bucran Corporation. As a leader in the 
civic arena, he was elected to serve the area he loved as Fort Walton 
Beach City Councilman from 1983 to 1991. Buck also was a member of the 
Shriners and was a Free Mason.
   It was his passion for community and its youth, however, to whom he 
dedicated much of his life, by which many will remember Buck. He was 
instrumental in securing the Fort Walton Beach High School's field 
house and baseball field, as well as preparing the tennis courts for 
action at Bruner Middle School. He strongly advocated for the need of a 
vocational school in the area, helped found the Fellowship of Christian 
Athletes in Okaloosa County and the All Sports Association, which he 
was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2004. Whether it was growing the 
love of softball in the area by starting a men's slow pitch softball 
team, which competed at National's in 1973; attending high school 
football games and cheering on players; or supporting Little League 
teams; Buck was inspired by the character and camaraderie built as a 
result of participating in organized sports. He believed in

[[Page E1218]]

the youth and was dedicated to ensuring that they were afforded the 
opportunity to become involved.
   Without question, Buck lived a life full of love and giving back to 
those around him. He was a friend and mentor to countless individuals 
and one of the area youth's biggest fans. To his family, however, he 
will most be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a 
great man who they were blessed to have as their own and share with the 
Northwest Florida community.
   On behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to 
recognize the life of James C. ``Buck'' Smith. My wife Vicki and I 
extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to his wife of 44 years, 
Billie; daughter, Tina and her husband, Ryan; granddaughters Amber and 
Ryleigh; brother, Rocky; sisters, Connie, Debbie, Sonya, and Rita; and 
all of the Smith family.

                          ____________________