The chairman of the Georgia House, Richard Smith, died from the flu at the age of 78 - WABE

HouseGeorgia state representatives honored the late Rep.HomeRep. Richard Smith, covering the former representative's table in black. One of the most influential members of the Georgia House of Representatives has passed away. Mr. Richard Smith, a Republican from Columbus who chaired the House Rules Committee, passed away at his homehousesfrom complications from the flu before dawn Tuesday, the House speaker's office said. Smith, 78, was elected to the House in 2004 and served 10 terms in the general assembly representing the 139th District, which included parts of Muscogee and Harris counties.

He has chaired the House Rules Committee since 2020. This key leadership position oversees what legislation is consideredhouseas a whole.

There was sudden silence in the boisterous chamber Tuesday morning as Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and his wife Marty made a surprise appearance to mourn Smith. “He was my friend and colleague for 20 years, and as the Speaker said, when he was your friend, you knew it,” Kemp said. "There were times when he stood with me when others didn't, but it didn't bother him. He just did what he thought was right."

Important points:

• Richard Smith passed away from complications from the flu at the age of 78.
• He was elected to the House in 2004 and has chaired the House Rules Committee since 2020.
• Georgia Governor Brian Kemp offered his condolences and noted his long friendship and work with Smith.