[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 1, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. NEVILLE SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2025

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Neville Smith of Manchester, Kentucky, who is retiring just before his 
94th birthday from his stalwart law practice, where he has dedicated 
approximately 47 years of service in Eastern Kentucky.
  Neville was born to Charles and Sallie Smith on May 1, 1931. By the 
time he was 24 years old, he had graduated from Law School, married his 
lovely bride Betty Sue Cornett, and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Shortly 
after completing basic training, he was recruited to the prestigious 
Army Intelligence Service, where he valiantly served this great Nation 
in the midst of the Cold War era.
  In 1957, he proudly returned to his hometown of Manchester, Kentucky 
to raise a family and build a highly respected law practice. Over the 
years, he served as general counsel to some of Eastern Kentucky's 
largest employers, providing wise counsel to the local school board, 
highly productive coal companies, non-profit organizations, insurance 
companies, and other businesses across the Commonwealth. His expertise 
and advice have been highly coveted by leaders across Kentucky, 
including Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, a fellow Clay 
County native who considers Neville to be among his most admired 
mentors.
  Outside of his legal practice, Neville has been a long-time champion 
of the conservative principles of the Republican Party, serving as 
chairman of his county party for more than 20 years and encouraging 
others to stand firm on their values. I personally appreciate Neville 
for being one of my earliest supporters and shaming his savvy political 
acumen about Kentucky's Appalachian region. Neville has also been a 
faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Manchester, where he and 
his late wife Betty raised their family.
  Although Neville was born as part of the ``Silent Generation,'' 
defined by their focus on securing stability and immense hard work, his 
lifetime of success has spoken volumes in southeastern Kentucky. 
Neville's incredible life of service to his beloved country, his family 
and his community serve as a true inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________