Former state representative from Slocomb dies

By Greg Phillips

Published: July 21, 2008

A former Alabama state representative from Slocomb passed away Friday, leaving behind a nearly 50-year history of practicing law.

Jack Smith, 83, served one term in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1974-1978, representing Houston and Geneva counties.

Perhaps more importantly, however, he established a legacy of law.

“He leaves a whole family of lawyers,” said Dothan attorney Deborah Seagle, Smith’s niece. “His son, Steven Smith, is an attorney, his brother, Earl, and myself, who is a niece, my son, who is his great-nephew. He retired from practicing law a year ago, and I think he was, at the time, the oldest practicing attorney in Alabama.”

Smith received his law degree in 1951 from the University of Alabama Law School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, fighting in the South Pacific.

Seagle said Smith was unique in his understanding of the law and his compassion for those in need.

“He was very, very smart with the law and very astute,” Seagle said. “He didn’t care whether you had money or not, if you needed a lawyer, he would step in. If you needed help, he was there. Generations of families went to him. We’ve lost a lot in losing Jack.”

Smith had been battling Alzheimer’s at the time of his passing.