George T. Smith

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George T. Smith (born October 15, 1916) is an American Democratic politician and jurist from the state of Georgia. A former Lieutenant Governor, state legislator, Speaker of the State House of Representatives and longtime judge he hold a distinction of being only person in Georgia history to win contested elections in all three branches of State government - legislative, executive, and judicial (court judge and Supreme Court Justice).

Born in Mitchell County, Georgia, Smith attended Middle Georgia College and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. On August 26, 1940 he joined United States Navy attaining he rank of lieutenant commander and receiving the Naval Merit Unit citation. Following military service, Smith graduated University of Georgia School of Law in 1948.

Upon graduation he practiced law in Cairo (Grady County, Georgia). In addition to his private law practice, he served as County Attorney, Solicitor of the State Court of Grady County, Cairo City Attorney, and attorney for the Grady County Board of Education.

His political career began, when he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives from Grady County in 1958. He served as a state representative until 1966, eventually rising to the position of its Speaker (1963-1966).

Smith was nominated by Democratic Party for Lieutenant Governor in 1966 election. Because of then-domination of Democrats in the state primary victory assures victory in general election. Smith served as second-ranking executive officer under Governor Lester Maddox from January 11, 1967 to January 12, 1971.

As Lt. Governor Smith was succeeded - in a very rare event in the U.S. politics - by Governor he served under. Because of term-limits Smith was barred from seeking re-election. He also didn't seek governorship.

After leaving post, Smith returned to the judiciary practice, initially private in Marietta, Georgia. In 1976 he was elected to the Georgia Court of Appeals for six years.

He later (1980) moved to the Georgia Supreme Court, thus became Justice. Despite advanced age he presently serves on the Executive Committee of the Appellate Judges Conference.

Smith's portrait was unveiled in the rotunda of the State Capitol on May 12, 1980, in accordance with a Joint Resolution passed by the Georgia House and Senate.

Smith was also District Governor of the Georgia Kiwanis in 1960 and has served on the Board of Trustees of the National Arthritis Foundation and as chairman of its National Government Affairs Committee