SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 24
In Memory
of
Wayne A. Smith
WHEREAS, The citizens of Gladewater lost a beloved first
responder and civic leader with the passing of former fire chief
Wayne A. Smith on December 30, 2020, at the age of 65; and
WHEREAS, Fondly known as "Snuffy" to his friends and loved
ones, Wayne Smith was born in Gilmer on January 16, 1955, to
Herbert and Alice Smith, and he grew up with the companionship of
five siblings, Brenda, Beverly, Jerry, John, and Roger; after
graduating from Gladewater High School in 1973, he went on to
earn his associate degree in applied science from Kilgore
College; and
WHEREAS, Chief Smith led the Gladewater Fire Department
for more than 27 years, and his dedication and expertise were
respected throughout the city and beyond; an accomplished figure
in his profession, he was a Master Firefighter and an instructor
for the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Fire Training
Academy and the Texas Municipal Fire School; furthermore, he was
president of the Local Emergency Planning Committee, safety
officer at the Northeast Texas Eastman Fire School, and president
of the Kilgore College Fire Academy Board; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his professional service, Chief
Smith was active in a number of other community groups and
initiatives; he was a prominent member of the Lions Club, where
he served as president in 2012, and he played an integral role in
establishing the Fall Festival Halloween activities; in
recognition of his contributions, he was named the 2010 Man of
the Year by the Gladewater Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Chief Smith enjoyed the love
and support of his wife, Cathy, with whom he shared a rewarding
marriage that spanned more than four decades; he took great pride
in his two sons, Randy and Brian, and with the passing years, he
had the pleasure of seeing his family grow to include a
daughter-in-law, Chantel, and four grandchildren, Audrey,
Christina, Kyler, and Chance; and
WHEREAS, Known for his leadership and integrity, as well as
his friendliness and delightful sense of humor, Wayne Smith
devoted himself to protecting his fellow citizens and improving
his community, and he leaves behind a record of service that his
loved ones can remember with pride; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Chief Wayne A.
Smith and extend sincere sympathy to all who mourn his passing;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of Chief Smith.
Hughes
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 9, 2021, by
a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate