A move to rename the federal building and courthouse in Gainesville after the late Judge Sidney O. Smith, Jr. is one step closer to reality.
The House voted Monday to approve HR 4618, introduced by U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, R-Gainesville.
Collins made the following statement on the House floor in support of the bill:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4618, legislation that I introduced to name the federal building and United States courthouse in Gainesville, GA after Judge Sidney Oslin Smith.
Although Judge Smith has passed away, his influence is still felt in my hometown of Gainesville, Georgia. He was born and raised here in Gainesville, and committed to the law and furthering education.
Judge Smith dedicated his life to serving the public. He joined the Army during World War II to serve his country. He later went on to have a distinguished legal career after receiving his law degree from the University of Georgia.
He was in private practice in Gainesville for years, and served as a state court judge prior to being appointed to the federal bench by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Judge Smith’s appointment to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia included time as chief judge from 1968 until 1974.
Even after leaving the bench, Judge Smith served the community in other ways. He served on the Board of Brenau College—now Brenau University—and played a pivotal role in helping the school to obtain university status and become a doctoral granting institution.
Judge Smith’s legacy is one that deserves to be honored. As the Judge’s son said, 'serving others was his vocational calling.'
The federal building and courthouse in Gainesville is a symbol of public service and civic duty. Judge Smith dedicated his life to the high ideals of justice, honor, and family, and naming the Courthouse after him will keep his legacy alive for years to come. It will serve as reminder of the Judge’s commitment to his community, and I believe help inspire others to public service.
I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation to recognize Judge Smith by naming this building in Gainesville the “Sidney Oslin Smith, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse.”
The measure, which was introduced on February 25, 2016, now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration."
