Senator's portrait to hang in Senate chamber

Posted Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 8:11 pm

By Staff Reports

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COLUMBIA — The state Senate has voted to hang a portrait of Sen. Verne Smith of Greer in the Senate chamber, an honor granted only a handful of officials in recent years.

Smith, a 79-year-old Republican who has served in the chamber since 1972, said he was "deeply honored."

The legislation cited Smith for being a "loyal and compassionate public servant and a distinguished statesman."

Smith serves as chairman of the Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee and the Interstate Cooperation Committee. He also has served on Finance, Medical Affairs, and Rules committees.

Other recent portraits authorized by the Senate include the late U.S. 2nd District Rep. Floyd Spence and U.S. Sen. Ernest Hollings, both former state senators.

The most recent portrait to be hung was that of Sen. John Drummond, a Greenwood Democrat and president pro tem emeritus of the Senate, whose likeness was placed in the chamber two years ago, said Senate Clerk Jeff Gossett. He said the portraits are paid for with private funds.

Wednesday, February 25

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