[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 116 (Monday, July 15, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





               HONORING THE LIFE OF JAMES ``RANDY'' SMITH

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 15, 2024

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I offer these remarks in honor of James 
``Randy'' Smith, who passed away on March 12th, at the age of 79. Mr. 
Smith dedicated his life to public service and the well-being of 
Virginians.
  Mr. Smith was born in Martinsville, Virginia on March 7, 1945. He 
graduated from Martinsville High School.
  His interest in further education led him to Randolph-Macon College 
and the University of Virginia's School of Law. Upon graduation from 
the University of Virginia, Mr. Smith began a legal career in 
Martinsville City's Commonwealth's Attorney office. He served as 
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney before being elected as 
Martinsville's Commonwealth's Attorney, through which he served many 
terms. His masterful development as a legal mind earned him praise from 
his community, who often referred to him as a walking codebook.
  His outstanding service to the Commonwealth would continue under the 
administration of Governor Jim Gilmore, where Mr. Smith was appointed 
to work for Virginia's Department of Rail and Public Transportation, as 
well as the State's Charitable Gaming Commission.
  Mr. Smith's love for his community did not wane. He returned to the 
Martinsville area, working as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for 
Henry County for over a decade. Despite retiring in 2015, he still 
served in an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney's capacity when needed 
in Martinsville City, Henry County and Patrick County.
  Mr. Smith was a man of profound faith who valued his lifelong 
membership in the Broad Street Christian Church. He also was a member 
of the Martinsville Rotary Club.
  He is survived by his cousins, Dr. John R. Smith, Jane Clark Moorman 
and J. Hubert Smith, Jr.

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