‘Such a great ride.’ Calvin Smyre says goodbye to Georgia legislature after 48 years
48 years — and it’s over.
Columbus’ Calvin Smyre, the longest-serving member of the Georgia legislature, bid farewell to his House colleagues in an hour-long speech during the final day of the 2022 session on Monday.
The 74-year-old Democrat, who was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1974, did not seek reelection to the seat he’s held for almost half a century. He has new plans that take him beyond Atlanta’s gold dome.
President Joe Biden tapped Smyre to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic last year. He awaits confirmation from the U.S. Senate.
In his final address, Smyre thanked everyone from Republican House Speaker David Ralston to the house doorkeepers. And he made sure to throw Columbus some acknowledgments as well.
Smyre’s career
Smyre’s remarks mapped the journey from his less-than-stellar academic exploits at Fort Valley State University to a legislative career filled with firsts.
A summer day in the library changed his course. A young Smyre came across Dale Wimbrow’s 1930s poem “The Guy in the Glass,” which focuses on integrity and being honest with yourself.
“’You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years, and get pats on the back as you pass. But your final reward will be heartaches and tears if you’ve cheated the guy in the glass,’” Smyre said as he read the poem’s final lines. “I told myself then never, ever would I cheat myself.”
Another key moment came when Smyre walked into Columbus Bank and Trust on Broadway in 1976. He lost his job at the end of the 1975 session and was struggling to make ends meet. Bank executive Jimmy Blanchard offered him a job.
Smyre ended up working for the company, later called Synovus, for 38 years. He retired in 2014 as an executive vice president.
“I would not have been able to serve up here had it not been for Synovus,” Smyre said. “Synovus has been my rock.”
Smyre would go on to serve in some of the House’s most powerful positions and help craft key legislation.
He became the first Black official from Georgia elected to the Democratic National Committee in 1985. In 1986, Gov. Joe Frank Harris named Smyre administrative floor leader, becoming the first Black lawmaker to hold the position.
Smyre authored bills making Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday a state holiday and co-sponsored a bill creating a new Georgia state flag, eliminating the old Confederate emblem.
Smyre was also instrumental in the passage of a new state hate crimes law in 2020 following the killing of Ahmaud Arbery near Brunswick.
But the Columbus lawmaker said he doesn’t evaluate his career on the legislation he’s helped introduce and pass or by the positions he’s held.
“You measure your career by how you honor this institution, and I honor the House of Representatives,” he said. “And I shall always.”
Among the lawmakers Smyre acknowledged during his speech were fellow members of the Columbus delegation, including Democrat Carolyn Hugley and Republican Richard Smith.
After speaking, Smyre embraced Ralston. As the two men hugged, Smyre could be seen removing his glasses to wipe his eyes.
“It’s been such a great ride,” Smyre said during the final portions of his speech. “I’ve seen so many of y’all and gotten to know you and appreciate you over the years. I have some great memories and some dear friends.”
‘Columbus will miss him.’
Lawmakers offered Smyre words of praise on his final day.
When introducing Smyre, Ralston told House members that he’d cried about the Columbus lawmaker’s departure.
“I’ve cried because of being selfish and knowing that I will not have my friend here on a daily basis,” Ralston said. “I’ve cried for the loss to this house of one of the greatest that’s ever walked through these halls. But I’ve been happy because I know that he’s capping off a very distinguished career in public service.”
Hugley, who has served with Smyre since she took office in 1993, told the Ledger-Enquirer that “the Dean” was a great statesman.
“He has been an excellent role model for many of us — in that he believes that there are no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, just permanent issues,” she said.
Debbie Bucker, a Democrat whose district includes portions of eastern Columbus, said the love for Smyre was palpable.
“He has befriended, assisted and advised us all. Georgia will miss him, Columbus will miss him, and I will miss him,” she told the Ledger-Enquirer.
Vance Smith, a Republican lawmaker from Pine Mountain, told the Ledger-Enquirer that it was an honor to serve with Smyre.
“Calvin is a true public servant,” Smith said.
Smyre, an avid puzzle lover, was gifted a jigsaw puzzle of the legislative chambers so he’ll always have a piece of the Georgia House with him.
The gold dome got a piece of Smyre, too. Members of the Columbus delegation unveiled a portrait of Smyre that will permanently hang in the state Capitol.
This story was originally published April 4, 2022 at 4:19 PM.