HD 131 (R-Columbus)

Although this may be his first term of office in the Georgia State House of Representatives, Richard Smith is no stranger to public service. The Freshman legislator from Columbus has 3 years of past service to the Columbus City Council, serving as Budget Chair for one term and also has served as the Columbus Interim City Manager. He is a founding member of the Chattahoochee Valley Community Foundation Board, a former President of the Chattahoochee Valley Fair and Exposition and a member of the Columbus Rotary Club. His most recent service has involved membership on the Insurance, Natural Resources & Environment and State Planning and Community Affairs Committees of the House.

A graduate of Morgan County High School in Madison, Georgia, Representative Smith later attended Louisiana State University where he earned his Bachelor’s of Science. He later obtained a Master’s of Science from the University of Florida. Prior to his 2001 retirement, Representative Smith worked for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Services for 23 years. He was involved in private business for a few years before his employment there. From 1970-1975, he was employed by the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Services.

He and his wife Clara have been married for 40 years, and are the proud parent of Shannon, Ashley and Justin. Their children in turn have blessed them with three grandchildren, Madison, Greyson and Colton. Richard and Clara are member of the First Baptist Church in Columbus. Representative Smith is an Ordained Deacon at Parkview Baptist Church.