V. Hawley Smith

Mr. Vernon Hawley Smith, son of the late Charles Leon and Mary Dennis Smith, died peacefully in his home on August 2, 2013. Born on August 28, 1920, a native son of Troup County, he was throughout his life of 92 ½ years a man of Christian faith, dedicated public service and leadership with integrity.

Hawley was predeceased by his wife of more than 50 years, Ercil Trussell Smith, and two brothers: The Rev. Dr. Charles Leon Smith and Mr.Wylie Howell Smith, and one daughter, Mary Louise Smith Dungey.

During World War II, from 1942-1946, Hawley served his country in the United States Army Air Force Finance Division. He then returned home to Troup County where he worked at the C & S National Bank for the remainder of his professional life, retiring as Vice President. He served as President of The Chattahoochee Chapter of The National Association of Bank Auditors and Comptrollers and as Chairman of the Troup County US Savings Bond Division.

Hawley was the 1st countywide elected Chairman of The Troup County Board of Commissioners and served from 1979-1990. He served as President of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, Chairman of the Board of Managers, and Director of the National Association of Counties. As a UGA certified County Commissioner and the Chairman the Chattahoochee/Flint Regional Developmental System, Hawley brought a transformational level of leadership to Troup County.

In the State of Georgia, Hawley had been the longest living member of the Optimist Club, being a Charter Member of the LaGrange Chapter. His public service included Directorships or Presidencies at The Harbor, The American Heart Association, LaGrange Chapter, The American Red Cross, LaGrange Chapter, the Junior Chamber of Commerce at the local and national level, The Advisory Board of Columbus College, and many other boards and agencies too numerous to list. He was the Founding Member of the West Georgia Youth Council, now Twin Cedars.

Hawley was a member of the First United Methodist Church of LaGrange, having served as Treasurer, Trustee and Steward, ever mindful that his faith was the foundation of his continual serving with distinction and setting a standard for leadership and dedicated public service. He enjoyed his membership in The Troup County Cattleman’s Association for many many years and shared his wisdom, leadership and support with various performing arts groups, schools and hospitals.

V. Hawley Smith was a Christian, statesman and patriot who served his Lord, his family, his community, his state and country with integrity and wisdom. Two of his lasting tangible gifts prior to his death were the provision of the beautiful stained glass windows in the chapel at First United Methodist Church in honor of his late wife, Ercil, and the entranceway to the Hall Family Cemetery which he offered in honor of his namesake “Young Hall Smith,” a double first cousin to his father.

As husband and father, Hawley was loving and devoted, a gentle patriarch to whom his family could always turn for guidance, comfort and strength.

He is survived by one brother, The Rev. Dr. Harvey Ferrell Smith; two grown children: V. Hawley Smith Jr. (Emily), and Nancy Suellen Kinsley (Janson); 7 grandchildren: Laurie Ann Knoespel (Jack), Jennifer Marie Kinsley, Taylor Christine Smith Day (Nate), Ashley Trussell Smith Juarez (Alex), Emily Hope Kinsley Treece (Zeb), Janson David Kinsley, Jr., (Amy) and V. Hawley Smith, III (Jess); and 9 great-grandchildren.

The funeral for V. Hawley Smith will be Sunday, August 4, 2013, at 4:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in LaGrange, Ga., interment to follow at the Hall Family Cemetery in Big Springs. Visitation with the family will be Saturday, August 3 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Striffler-Hamby Funeral Home.

The Family will gratefully accept flowers but encourages donations, either to First United Methodist Church or the charity of their choice.