MS SC599

Former State Senator Martin Travis Smith of Poplarville died on February 26, 2015, at age 80, having served as a senator, first Director of the Administrative Office of Courts, city attorney, and college attorney.

Smith served in the State Senate representing Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River and Stone Counties from 1968-1988, chairing the Judiciary Committee and the Election Committee during his tenure.

As Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Smith revised the Justice Court fee system to base judge compensation on county population and handled legislation implementing Mississippi's Open Records and Open Meetings Laws.

Smith served as attorney for Pearl River Community College for approximately 30 years beginning in the mid-1960s and again since 1997, and as Poplarville city attorney for 24 years.

Resolution mourns Smith's death and commends his service to the Legislature, State of Mississippi, Pearl River Community College, and City of Poplarville, with the resolution to be presented to his surviving family and relevant institutions.