[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 166 (Wednesday, October 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E952-E953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING COACH HAMPTON ``HAMP'' SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2023

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to 
recognize a loving husband, iconic coach, dedicated community servant 
and dear friend of longstanding, Coach Hampton ``Hamp'' Smith. Sadly, 
Coach Smith passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023. A homegoing service 
to celebrate his remarkable life was held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, 
at the Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.
  The genesis of the life of Coach Hampton Smith began on October 1, 
1934, in Greenwood, Mississippi where he was born to the union of the 
late Richard Smith and Fannie Hampton Smith. A product of the Leflore 
County, Mississippi school system, he graduated from Threadgill High 
School and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from Mississippi Valley 
Vocational College (Now Mississippi Valley State University) in 1957. 
From 1957 to 1959, Coach served honorably in the United States Army.
  Coach Smith began his legendary coaching career in 1959 as an 
assistant coach at Mississippi Valley Vocational College. He then 
coached at McComb High School and J.E. Johnson High School before 
serving as assistant football coach at Tennessee Agricultural and 
Industrial College during 1969 and 1970 while earning his Master's 
degree. Coach Smith then began the first of two legendary stints at 
Albany State College in 1971 through 1976, went back to Mississippi 
Valley for 1977 to 1978, only to return to Albany State as an assistant 
coach from 1980 to 1981. He then became head coach for the Albany State 
Golden Rams from 1982 to 1999. Multi-talented and multi-faceted, Coach 
Smith also

[[Page E953]]

served as Albany State baseball coach from 1981 to 1983, compiling a 
record of 46-37-1.
  Overall, during his career in coaching, he compiled an impressive 
record of 157-90-4; he made 5 NCAA D-II Playoff appearances and led 
Albany State to 9 SIAC Championships. He was inducted in the Albany 
State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004 and the SIAC Hall of 
Fame in 2014.
  Coach Smith's impact was felt well beyond the athletic field. He was 
more than just a coach. He helped shape the character of generations of 
young men and women at Albany State and helped shape the character of 
his community through his active civic engagement in local, state and 
national politics. He strongly encouraged people to exercise their duty 
to vote in every election.
  Coach Smith accomplished much in his life but none of it would have 
been possible without the grace of God and love and support of his late 
wife, Charlene Johnson Smith. This union lasted for 60 years until 
Charlene's passing in April of 2022.
  On a personal note, Coach Smith was my friend and supporter for 30 
years. For his loyalty, support and wise counsel, I will be forever 
grateful.
  Coach Hamp Smith was a Hall of Fame Coach and a Hall of Fame human 
being. To God be the Glory for his extraordinary life and legacy.
  Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian 
and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second 
Congressional District in paying tribute to Coach Hampton Smith and in 
extending our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all who 
mourn his loss. Moreover, we pray that we will all be consoled and 
comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, 
and months ahead.

                          ____________________