House Resolution 2002
By: Representatives Howard of the 71st, Huddleston of the 72nd, Smith of the 18th, and Smith
of the 70th
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Howard Edward Smith; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens
with the passing of Howard Edward Smith on March 14, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Howard Edward Smith, known to most as "Big Ed" and affectionately called
"Biggs" by his grandchildren, was born in Clarkesville, Georgia, a beloved son of Garnett
Edward and Mazie Dockery Smith; and
WHEREAS, a man of deep and abiding faith, Ed was an active member of First Baptist
Church for over sixty years; and
WHEREAS, he was united in love and marriage to his wife, Louise, and was blessed with
three remarkable children, Brad, Marty, and Chris, as well as seven wonderful grandchildren
and five magnificent great grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, he gave inspiration to many through his high ideals, morals, and deep concern
for his fellow citizens, and the devotion, patience, and understanding he demonstrated to his
family and friends were admired by others; and
WHEREAS, deeply devoted to his community, Ed was well known for performing
anonymous acts of kindness, preferring to help others without fanfare or recognition; and
WHEREAS, he was a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation
for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness, and by the example he made of his life, he
made this world a better place in which to live; and
WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Ed will long be remembered for his love
of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who had the great fortune of
knowing him.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Howard Edward Smith and
express their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the
family of Howard Edward Smith..