GA GOP Rep. Richard Smith Dies Of Flu At 78

GEORGIA — Georgia Rep. Richard Smith has died after battling the flu, House Speaker Jon Burns said Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter. He was 78.

Burns said Smith, R-Columbus, had gotten the flu in recent days and "passed peacefully during the night." Smith was the chairman of the House's Rules Committee.

Smith was a true statesman who loved the House of Representatives, Burns said. He added Smith was kind, supportive, generous and loyal.

"Richard and I came into the House together in 2005. When I think back to all the memories we shared - the late night meetings, the laughs, the hugs, the wins, the losses, the highs and the lows and the ups and the downs of this place - I'm struck by one thing: how Richard lived life, every single day, to the very fullest," Burns said.

"I can assure you he is in Heaven right now, looking down on each of us fondly, but reminding us to get back to the work of the day. That was Richard. Today and the coming days will be tough. Like you, I already miss my friend very much. But we will celebrate his life, remember all of the good times we had together, and honor the lasting legacy he will forever leave on this place."

Smith was first sworn into office Jan. 10, 2005. He was a retired staffer at the University of Georgia.

Aside from being chairman of rules, Smith served on the following committees:

• Appropriations - Member
• Insurance - Member
• Natural Resources and Environment - Member
• Reapportionment and Redistricting - Member

Gov. Brian Kemp called Smith a valued friend and said Smith well-represented Columbus.

"Richard has been my friend and colleague, for close to 20 years," Kemp said. "As we reflect on his years of service and steady leadership, we ask that all Georgians join us in praying for his loved ones and keeping the Columbus community in your thoughts."

Attorney General Chris Carr, Georgia Senate Minority Leader Gloria Butler and Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King joined others in offering condolences after Smith's death.

Funeral arrangements for Smith have not been released.