ATLANTA, Ga. (WTVM) - The longest-serving lawmaker in the Georgia General Assembly was honored with a portrait at the state capitol on Tuesday.
Retired State Representative Calvin Smyre of Columbus served his constituents for nearly a half-century, retiring in 2022 to work in the Biden administration.
Smyre expressed his gratitude, saying it’s an honor to have his photo hung in the capitol for young boys and girls to see as an inspiration for future generations.
“I felt overwhelmed to join the ranks of other Georgians in the state of Georgia is a tremendous honor and I’m thankful for Speaker John Burns and the members of the Georgia House of Representatives,” Smyre said.
State Representative Teddy Reese, who replaced Smyre in a newly formed district, highlighted the significance of this moment. He emphasized that the capitol is more than just a place of government.
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“It’s one of the greatest joys to see people here at the capitol in Atlanta,” Reese said. “You see them pointing at the big portraits and they’re asking questions, ‘Who is this? Who is that?’ That’s why this is a museum; it’s not just our place of government, it’s a place where Georgians all over the state can come and learn about the great history of our state.”
Minority Leader Representative Carolyn Hughley noted the portrait’s inspirational value.
“He is going to be the first person from Columbus to be so honored,” Hugley said. “And so when our children come to this capitol in the years to come, they will see there was a man from Columbus named Calvin Smyre and get to learn about all the things that he has done.”
Smyre shared his plans to continue serving his community.
“After 50 years—48 in the state and two in the federal—I’m just going to continue to do community work,” Smyre said. “I’m still chairman of the Fountain City Classic, which is an annual event in Columbus held every year. This will be our 35th year coming up, benefiting Albany State University and Fort Valley State University. So, my heart is in higher ed.”
Rep. Smyre was also instrumental in the construction of the $6 million Columbus RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.
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