Richard H. Smith was born in Wrightsville, Georgia. Richard grew up in Madison, Georgia. Graduated from Morgan County High School. Upon completion of High School, Richard earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University (1968) and a Master’s of Science degree from the University of Florida (1970).

Began career with the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service in 1970. Transferred to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension in 1978. During tenure with the UGA Cooperative Extension Service, Richard served in Statesboro, Cedartown and Columbus. While serving as Columbus Extension Director, Richard served as an Adjunct Faculty Member of the UGA Fanning Leadership Center from 1990 – 1999.

Richard was no stranger to Public Service prior to being elected State Representative for House District 131. Richard served as Columbus Interim City Manager (12/15/1989). He served four (4) years, January, 1999 – December, 2002) on the Columbus City Council in an at-large post with one of those years serving as Budget Chair. He is a founding board member of the Chattahoochee Valley Community Foundation, former President of the Chattahoochee Valley Fair and Exposition, member of the Columbus Downtown Rotary Club and a member of the First Baptist Church of Columbus.

Richard was first elected November 2, 2004 to the Georgia House of Representatives and sworn-in January 10, 2005. Richard is currently serving his fourth term in the Georgia House of Representatives. Committee assignments include: Chairman - Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee, Appropriations, Insurance, Natural Resources and Environment, and Reapportionment. Richard is also a member of the Green Door Committee, the committee that drafts the final budget.