Mike Collins: “I appreciate my friend from Florida for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4618…”

“I appreciate my friend from Florida for yielding me the time. 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, Georgia, after Judge Sidney Oslin Smith, or Sidney Smith as we knew him. Judge Smith passed away, but his influence in my hometown of Gainesville is still felt. He was born and raised 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 Florida. He was in private practice in Gainesville for many years, and served as a superior court judge prior to being appointed to the Federal bench by President Lyndon Johnson. Judge Smith's appointment to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia included time as chief judge from 1968 to 1974. {time} 1615 After leaving the bench, Judge Smith served the community in many 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.…”