HR1125: HR1125 Smith, Mayor Waymond; Alapaha, Georgia; honoring the life, service, and legacy; condolences

26 LC 129 0784 House Resolution 1125 By: Representatives Beckles of the 96th, Ford of the 170th, Hugley of the 141st, Efstration of the 104th, Gisler of the 121st, and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing and honoring the life, service, and legacy of Mayor Waymond Smith of1 Alapaha, Georgia; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Mayor Waymond Smith, 66, of Alapaha, Georgia, entered eternal rest on3 January 15, 2026, at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta; and4 WHEREAS, Waymond Smith was born June 6, 1959, in Ocilla, Georgia, to Timothy Smith,5 Sr., and Verlie Mae Smith, the fourth child in a loving family, and graduated from Berrien6 High School in 1979; and7 WHEREAS, Waymond dedicated over three decades of his profession al life to Amoco8 Fabric and was currently employed with Winfab in Nashville, Geo rgia, demonstrating a9 strong work ethic, integrity, and commitment to excellence in every endeavor he undertook;10 and11 WHEREAS, Waymond devoted 30 years as a proud member of the Alapaha Volunteer Fire12 Department, serving his community with courage and dedication; and13 H. R. 1125 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0784 WHEREAS, Waymond served 22 years as an elected official and 18 years as the beloved14 Mayor of Alapaha, guiding the town with wisdom, compassion, and an unwavering15 dedication to the well-being of others; and16 WHEREAS, his knowledge of municipal policies and law, paired with his genuine concern17 for his neighbors, left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege to know him; and18 WHEREAS, Waymond was a founding member of The Gospelaires of Georgia, a beloved19 gospel quartet founded in the 1970s, serving as guitarist and b ackup singer alongside his20 brother Tim and cherishing every moment spent making music with family and friends; and21 WHEREAS, his deep faith, devotion to family, and lifelong passion for gospel music blessed22 audiences and created a lasting legacy that continues today, in cluding through his son23 Antwan who joined the group as a drummer; and24 WHEREAS, Waymond was known for his humor, warmth, and remarkable gift for making25 everyone feel valued and loved, with laughter that could bright en a room and words of26 encouragement that left an indelible mark on friends, family, and colleagues alike; and27 WHEREAS, he leaves to cherish his memory his children: Antwan (Jalisa) Smith, Verlitha28 (Benjamin) Reiss, and Xaveon (Chika) Wilson; his mother: Verlie M. Smith; his siblings:29 Rudolph Smith, Carlethia Nixon, Rose Marie Smith, Wilhelmina Sm ith, and Edwinda30 Reeves; along with cherished grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends31 whose lives he touched in profound ways.32 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that33 the members of this body recognize and honor the exceptional li fe and service of Mayor34 H. R. 1125 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0784 Waymond Smith and express their deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and the35 community of Alapaha upon his passing.36 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized37 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the38 family of Mayor Waymond Smith. 39 H. R. 1125 - 3 -