HR 65

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1 HR65
2 7BULKEE-1
3 By Representative Sellers
4 RFD:
5 First Read: 29-Jan-26
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 7BULKEE-1 01/27/2026 AD (L)AD 2026-495
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4 HR____ MOURNING THE DEATH AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF
5 SERGEANT FRANK STEWART SMITH, SR.
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7WHEREAS, it is with profound sadness that we note the
8 death of Sergeant Frank Stewart Smith, Sr. on January 22,
9 2026, at the age of 84; he was a devoted servant of God,
10 country, family, and his community; and
11WHEREAS, Frank was born on December 24, 1942, in
12 Bessemer, Alabama, to Mattie Towns and Frank Smith; at an
13 early age, Frank accepted Christ as his personal Savior and
14 remained steadfast in his faith throughout his life; he was
15 a lifetime and faithful member of First Baptist Church of
16 Old Jonesboro, where his presence, commitment, and Christian
17 walk were evident until his passing; and
18WHEREAS, concluding his graduation from Brighton High
19 School, Frank answered the call to serve his country and
20 enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for 22
21 years; through dedication, courage, and unwavering
22 patriotism, he rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class; his
23 military service was marked by discipline, leadership, and
24 perseverance, earning him the respect of his peers and the
25 gratitude of a nation; and
26WHEREAS, following his military retirement, Sergeant
27 Smith continued his life of service through his professional
28 career; he worked faithfully at the Veterans Affairs
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29 Hospital for many years; he remained committed to caring for
30 and supporting fellow veterans and never wavered in his
31 dedication to those who had also served their country; and
32WHEREAS, Frank was married to the love of his life,
33 Menthola Jenkins Smith, and together they built a strong and
34 loving union; from this union, four children were born, whom
35 he cherished deeply and loved unconditionally; and
36WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife
37 and siblings, Freddie Odessa Parker, Francis Davis, and
38 Thomas James Towns; he is survived by his four loving
39 children, Frank Smith, Jr., Marcellia Smith, Menthola
40 "Minnie" Smith, and Mattie Smith Garrett (Cedric, Sr.); five
41 grandchildren, Chante' Smith, Michael Smith, Arie' Smith,
42 Jordyn A. Horn, and Cedric Garrett, Jr.; four
43 great-grandchildren, Erion McKenzie, Kae'lyn Smith, Zaiden
44 Smith, and Zarr Smith; special friend, Gwendolyn Britton;
45 bonus son, Joe Larry Lewis, Jr.; and a host of nieces,
46 nephews, other relatives, and dear friends; and
47WHEREAS, a man of deep love and integrity, Frank
48 Smith cherished his family and took great pride in his
49 community; he was known for his strength, wisdom,
50 generosity, and steadfast spirit; these qualities will
51 forever live on through those he loved and those who loved
52 him; now therefore,
53BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
54 LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That the death of Sergeant Frank
55 Stewart Smith, Sr. is recorded with deep sadness, and this
56 resolution is offered in tribute to his life, along with
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57 heartfelt sympathy for his family, whose grief is shared by
58 many.
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